Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, during his visit to the forward areas of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir today, reviewed the operational preparedness of the troops deployed along the Line of Control. He was accompanied by Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, SYSM, PVSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command.
During the visit, the Army Chief interacted with officers and jawans at forward locations and lauded them for their high morale, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to duty under challenging conditions. He expressed satisfaction over the operational readiness and the effective security posture maintained by the troops in the sensitive border areas.
A poignant moment of the visit unfolded at Kamsar village in Poonch, where General Dwivedi met Subedar (Honorary Captain) Parvez Ahmed (Retd) of 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. The meeting marked a reunion of old comrades, as both had served together on multiple occasions, including the period between 2002 and 2005 when General Dwivedi was the Commanding Officer of the battalion.
Subedar Parvez Ahmed joined the Indian Army in March 1991 and superannuated in March 2019 after rendering 25 years of distinguished service. During his illustrious career, he served in various operational and instructional assignments, including tenures as an instructor at training establishments. He also successfully completed several specialised courses and was decorated for his meritorious service.
Post-retirement, Subedar Parvez Ahmed has remained actively associated with the local community. During Operation Sindoor, he played a crucial role in assisting the deployed troops by facilitating logistics and local coordination, leveraging his deep knowledge of the terrain and strong rapport with the local population. His selfless efforts, undertaken at personal risk during periods of heightened tension, earned him special recognition from the Indian Army.
In appreciation of his exemplary service to the nation and continued contribution to society, the Chief of the Army Staff felicitated Subedar (Honorary Captain) Parvez Ahmed with the Veteran Achiever Award. The occasion was witnessed by his family members, fellow ex-servicemen, and local residents.
Several other veterans and civilians, including women and children from the region, also interacted with the Army Chief during the visit. The informal exchanges reflected the deep-rooted bond between the Indian Army, its veterans, and the people of the border districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
For the residents of the region, where military service is an integral part of life, the visit underscored the enduring connection between the Indian Army, its former soldiers, and the communities they proudly represent.
