Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Commander of the Northern Command, visited north and south Kashmir to assess operational readiness and strategic deployment of forces amid the ongoing “Operation Shiva,” aimed at neutralising terrorist threats in the Valley.
He was accompanied by GOC 15 Corps Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava. Lt Gen Sharma was briefed by field commanders on the progress and strategic outcomes of Operation Shiva, the ongoing multi-agency counter-insurgency operation launched earlier this month.
The operation is being jointly carried out by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and paramilitary forces and is focused on intensifying area domination. The forces have intensified their operations in safeguarding the pilgrimage routes during the ongoing annual Amarnath Yatra 2025. This year, according to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, 3.5 lakh pilgrims have registered for the 2025 Yatra.
Meanwhile, in his address to forces stationed in forward areas and treacherous terrains of the North and southern sides of the Kashmir Valley, Lt Gen Sharma praised their dedication, coordination, and operational effectiveness.
He said, “The security apparatus must remain vigilant, responsive, and technically proficient to deal with emerging threats. The safety of civilians and the sanctity of the Yatra must remain our top priorities.”
This year's yatra, compared to 2024, saw some decline in the number of registrations, though there is hope that the numbers might swell further in the coming days.
The route, particularly through the Anantnag and Ganderbal districts, has witnessed a visible increase in troop deployment, surveillance drones, and checkpoint inspections.
Lt Gen Sharma highlighted the importance of advanced training modules for troops deployed in such complex and high-altitude terrain.
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