Jammu: Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat on Friday visited troops on the Line of Control to review prevailing situation and operational readiness of the units of White Knight Corps in Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

He was accompanied by Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, Army Commander, Northern Command.

Gen Rawat was briefed and updated by Lt Gen Paramjit Singh, General Officer Commanding, White Knight Corps and commanders on ground.

The COAS reviewed the mission readiness of units, response mechanism to ceasefire violations, measures adopted to deal with Pakistan proxies, counter infiltration posture and preparation to deal with violent actions on the Line of Control.

In addition, the Army Chief was also briefed on strategy to deal with inimical elements, who are attempting to “revive terrorism South of Pir Panjal, misguiding youth and attempts to radicalise the innocent youth”.

He interacted with the soldiers deployed on the Line of Control and for Counter Terrorism Operations and commended them for their unwavering dedication to duty, selfless devotion and high standard of professionalism.

He was appreciative of the measures and standard operating procedures instituted by the units to ensure safe-secure environment, grasp of situation by the formation, synergy with civil administration, high morale, preparedness and mission readiness efforts by the troops.

The General conveyed his satisfaction on the state of operational readiness of the formation and assured material and moral support to all soldiers for enhancing operational capabilities.

The need to remain prepared for strong retribution, if enemy provokes, was also reinforced by COAS during his interaction with the troops.

He, further, exhorted all ranks on the need to remain vigilant to counter the nefarious designs of the enemy and anti – national elements.

During the visit to the forward areas, the COAS awarded the soldiers on the spot for gallant actions on the Line of Control. The Army Chief appreciated the preparedness and the high morale of the White Knight Corps and conveyed his appreciation to the responsible citizens of the state for maintaining communal harmony despite provocations by the anti-national and inimical elements.

He also complimented the religious heads, teachers and parents for providing correct direction to youth in the path of progress, peace and prosperity.