Lt Gen Pratik Sharma Reviews Kashmir Security and Readiness Amid Operation SHIVA

Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Commander of the Northern Command, undertook a comprehensive assessment of the security status and troop preparedness in both North and South Kashmir on Wednesday, as part of the ongoing Operation SHIVA. This visit aimed at ensuring effective security measures for the Amarnath Yatra and assessing the Army's readiness amidst emerging regional challenges.

Operation SHIVA was initiated to secure the 38-day Amarnath Yatra, which commenced on July 3. This operation has deployed over 42,000 personnel from the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and Jammu & Kashmir Police. The annual pilgrimage to the 3,888-meter-high Amarnath cave shrine attracts thousands of devotees and necessitates a multi-layered security setup, which includes Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking, improved medical services, and swift transport logistics.

Lt Gen Sharma, who began his military career with the 2nd Battalion of the Madras Regiment in 1987, engaged with the troops stationed in the region, commending their morale, discipline, and training. Recognizing their efforts in maintaining regional peace, he distributed commendation cards and medals during his visits to the forward areas. These interactions are in keeping with historic traditions of enhancing troop unity, echoing leadership practices from past turbulent times in the Valley.

Renowned for advancing the Army's information warfare doctrine, Lt Gen Sharma has previously served as Director General of Information Warfare and has been instrumental in incorporating cyber operations and psychological strategy into India’s military approach. His presence in the area underscores the significance of adaptive leadership in conflict-sensitive regions.

The visit occurred following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including tourists, heightening regional tensions. It also followed the brief but intense skirmish between India and Pakistan in May, which led to Operation Sindoor and heightened alert levels in border areas. Although a ceasefire has been in place since May 10, the Army remains in a heightened state of readiness.

The ongoing efforts by the Northern Command to secure the region are in line with India’s broader strategic goals in Jammu & Kashmir, an area long affected by cross-border terrorism, internal strife, and unresolved territorial issues. As Operation SHIVA progresses, the Army is committed to preserving peace and ensuring the uninterrupted continuation of the Yatra, while adapting to the evolving complexities of modern warfare.