Lt Gen Sharma Praises Troops for Successful Counter-Terrorism Effort in Poonch
Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, visited Poonch on Wednesday to commend the Indian Army troops for their exceptional achievement in Operation Shiv Shakti. The operation, carried out on July 30, 2025, successfully neutralized two terrorists and uncovered a substantial cache of war-like stores along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Degwar sector.
This operation's success follows closely after Operation Sindoor, highlighting the Army's adept counter-terrorism skills and high state of readiness in one of Jammu and Kashmir's most sensitive areas.
During his address, Lt Gen Sharma commended the troops for their steadfast commitment, operational preparedness, and resilience in challenging terrain and weather conditions. He underscored the need for continued vigilance along the LoC to maintain peace and prevent infiltration attempts sponsored by Pakistan.
The joint operation with the Jammu and Kashmir Police focused on the Maldivalan area, a known vulnerable point for infiltration. The arms and ammunition recovered are anticipated to yield critical intelligence to prevent future cross-border threats.
In recognition of the troops' dedication, the Northern Army Commander awarded commendation honors during a ceremonial interaction. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining high morale and readiness, referring to the troops as the "backbone of India’s counter-infiltration grid."
Poonch has historically been a focal point of tension, with significant events dating back to the 1948 siege and its subsequent relief under Operation Easy. The Army's sustained focus on this area underscores its ongoing significance to national security.
In line with operational security protocols, the photographs released by the Army had blurred faces of soldiers, a standard global practice in counter-terror operations to protect personnel safety.
The visit reinforced the Indian Army’s commitment to ensuring stability in Jammu and Kashmir, sending a strong message across the LoC that India is prepared to respond firmly and decisively to any attempts to disrupt peace in the region.
