Jammu, June 20: Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, SYSM, PVSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command, visited the forward areas of Kilo Force and Baltal to review the prevailing security situation and assess the operational preparedness of troops deployed for Operation SHIVA 2026 ahead of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
During the visit, the Army Commander was briefed by senior officers on the overall security environment, deployment patterns, surveillance measures, and the arrangements being put in place to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage for devotees. The briefing also focused on the coordination mechanism among various security agencies and civil administration involved in the annual yatra.
Interacting with commanders and troops stationed in the forward areas, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma appreciated their professionalism, dedication, and round-the-clock efforts in maintaining peace and security in the region. He stressed the importance of maintaining a high state of alertness, operational readiness, and seamless coordination among all agencies to effectively tackle any emerging threat or challenge during the pilgrimage.
The Army Commander emphasized the need for mission-oriented execution, enhanced vigilance along the yatra routes, and quick response capabilities to ensure the safety of pilgrims and uninterrupted conduct of the annual religious event. He also reviewed the preparedness of troops in terms of logistics, communication systems, medical support, and emergency response arrangements.
Operation SHIVA is the Indian Army’s annual security operation conducted to provide a secure environment for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, one of the country’s most significant religious pilgrimages. Thousands of devotees from across the nation participate in the yatra every year, which passes through challenging mountainous terrain and sensitive security zones in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Indian Army reiterated its firm commitment to ensuring a peaceful, secure, and incident-free Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 through close synergy and coordination with all stakeholders, including Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces, civil administration, and other agencies