BUNTY MAHAJAN
UDHAMPUR, MARCH 15: General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command, Lt General Upendra Dwivedi here on Tuesday said that the “Northern Command is in a high state of readiness to face the constantly evolving threats and challenges”.
Addressing Army officers, JCOs and other ranks at the investiture ceremony where he earlier presented 92 gallantry awards and 25 distinguished service awards to 117 of them, he said “the security situation in Northern Command continues to remain volatile, as we are the only command in active operations facing adversaries from both the Northern & Western front, in addition to the internal security threats”.
The ‘Whole of nation’ approach has led to the progressive improvement in the security situation in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, he said, adding the “extraordinary zeal and motivation among all ranks reassures me that security of our borders is in safe hands”.
He exhorted all ranks of Northern Command to be prepared for varied challenges on the internal and external security front. “The Nation looks upon us in times of crises and we have to live up to the hopes and trust reposed on us by our countrymen,” he said.
Lt General Dwivedi described 2021 “an exigency year for the Indian Armed Firces” in many ways, saying “our troops have displayed exceptional bravery through a well-coordinated and an aggressive response strategy on the Northern borders”. “Our forces have shown exemplary courage and remarkable fortitude in these testing times,”. he said while conveying his “heartfelt gratitude to the brave soldiers of Indian Army for their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty defying all odds in OP RAKSHAK, OP MEGHDOOT and OP SNOW LEOPARD”.
“We are committed to defend India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and believe in a constructive dialogue through both military and diplomatic means to resolve the border issues,” said Lt General Upendra Dwivedi, General Officer Commanding-in-Chiefnif the Northern Command. Restoration of peace and tranquility to enable progress in bilateral relations has been and will remain our constant endeavour, he said, adding “we are keeping a constant watch on all developments and will take all necessary steps to protect our National Interests”.
Pointing out that the Indian Army, apart from the operational challenges on the LAC and LC, also remain committed to providing succor in the times of natural disasters which includes COVID-19, he lauded the efforts of COVID warriors whose relentless efforts have kept us protected in these testing times. Operation Sadbhavana has bridged the gap between the Armed Forces and the Awam resulting in a better Civil-Military integration and coordination, he said, adding this has been achieved through well-orchestrated developmental works in conjunction with civil administration and assisting grassroot level development activities in far flung areas under Project Sadbhavana.
The Northern Army Commander said that A participative approach by all stakeholders coupled with integration of all agencies and synergy of efforts to enhance development, improved educational facilities and employment opportunities for the youth, will result in fulfilling the aspirations of the people.
He congratulated the awarded and their proud families, saying that their “singular acts of valour and selfless sacrifice have been instrumental in our success”. Also commending the Veer Naris present here who bear the unfathomable loss of their loved ones with stoic silence, he reassured them at the army stand firmly besides them on their loss and remain committed to ensuring its unstinted support to them. @We are deeply committed to ensure your resettlement with utmost dignity in society,” he said.
He further expressed his gratitude to the people of Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh, the civil administration for their unstinted support, reintegrating that a participative approach by all stakeholders coupled with integration of all agencies and synergy of efforts will address the challenges and bring the required changes.
“We hope for a brighter future for all. In the end, I pray to almighty for peace and contentment for the people of this region,” he added..
