Srinagar: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday paid tributes to the three soldiers killed in militant attack in Shopian district yesterday, even as he called for coordinated efforts by security forces to deal with the problem of stone-pelting.
A week after warning of tough action against those impeding counterinsurgency operations in Kashmir, Gen Rawat asked security agencies to synergise efforts to effectively deal with the problem of stone-pelting during operations, an army official said.
Gen Rawat was taking a security review meetings at headquarters of counterinsurgency units– Kilo Force and Victor Force– here, an army official said.
He also underlined the need to maintain high vigil.
The Army Chief had on February 15, while paying tributes to soldiers killed during two encounters a day earlier in Kashmir, warned of tough action against those civilians who were impeding the counterinsurgency operations in the Valley by resorting to stone-pelting.
His statement evoked sharp reactions from both mainstream parties, including National Conference and Congress, and separatists who insisted the Kashmir problem cannot be addressed militarily.
Despite the Army Chief’s warning, there has been no let up in stone-pelting against security forces during their counterinsurgency operations and three such incidents have taken place since February 15.
Gen Rawat, who arrived here on Thursday, was briefed on the prevailing security situation and recent operations conducted by the security forces.
He also reviewed the collaborative measures of security forces towards ensuring peace and calm in the region.
The Army Chief interacted with local commanders and troops urging them to continue discharging their duty with utmost professionalism.
Gen Rawat, accompanied by Northern Command Chief Lt General D Anbu and Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen J S Sandhu, also paid tributes to the three soldiers killed in a militant attack in Shopian district of Kashmir on Thursday.
He laid wreaths on the coffins carrying the mortal remains of the soldiers, one of whom was from Marhama area of Anantnag district.
“As the entire nation salutes the martyrs…the army gave a befitting farewell to its brave-hearts today in a solemn ceremony here,” the official said.
Gen Rawat also expressed his grief and offered condolences to the families of Lance Naik Ghulam Mohi Ud Din, Sepoy Vikas Singh Gurjar and Sapper Sreejith M J.
Gen Rawat also conveyed his anguish at the death of an elderly lady, Taja Begum, in the terrorist attack, the official added.
Wreaths were also laid on behalf of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti by Minister of Rural development and Panchayati Raj Abdul Haq Khan, Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Nabi Lone and other officials from civil administration and security agencies.
The army chief had yesterday met the injured soldiers at the Army Base Hospital and wished them speedy recovery.
The General also appreciated various humanitarian initiatives undertaken by the troops to bring succor to common people and exhorted them to sustain this positive engagement with the local populace.