Kashmir Valley gets a new Corps Commander

Vishal Thapar May 09, 2022

Lt General Amardeep Singh Aujla on May 9 took over as the commander of 15 Corps, the Army formation deployed in the Kashmir Valley.

Command of the Srinagar-based 15 (Chinar) Corps is one of the most critical and high-profile operational assignments for the Indian Army leadership. 15 Corps comprises the Victor Force - the counter-insurgency formation in the Kashmir Valley - and the Divisions defending the Line of Control from north of the Pir Panjals to Drass.

Lt General Aujla, who succeeds Lt General Devendra Pratap Pandey, is a distinguished commander who was commissioned in the highly decorated Rajputana Rifles regiment. Lt General Pandey’s predecessor, Lt General KJS Dhillon was also from the Rajputana Rifles Regiment.

Lt General Aujla’s leadership of 15 Corps will represent the apex of the security apparatus in the sensitive Kashmir Valley.

As he takes over at a time of overall improvement in the security environment prevailing on the Line of Control as well as in hinterland. Lt General Aujla’s task will be to keep the guard up and consolidate the peace through the summers, which is traditionally the campaign season for Pakistan-sponsored insurgents.

“With the Civil Administration and Security Forces synergizing efforts to bring normalcy back to Kashmir, terrorism is on decline with assessed residual terrorist numbers reduced to an all-time low,” the Army stated.

A dynamic deployment along the Line of Control combined with a technical intelligence apparatus and a robust counter-infiltration grid has significantly reduced infiltration.

In the hinterland, all elements of the Security apparatus have been synergized to break the cycle of violence. Relentless operations based on hard intelligence have been carried out in tandem with Jammu & Kashmir Police and Central Police forces to neutralise terrorists, with minimum collateral damage and zero civilian fatalities.

The approach also includes outreach to the public, including families of active terrorists, to minimise recruitment and induce surrender of local terrorists. Various programmes have been launched to prevent radicalisation and deny space to “White Collar Terrorists” who have shaped opinion which has driven some impressionable youth towards violence.

“The conflict entrepreneurs were targeted, while simultaneously engaging youth through various initiatives, extending myriad platforms to showcase their talent, ranging from sports to cultural arenas. The efforts have borne fruit, with the terrorists’ number dwindling to an all-time low of 150,” the Army stated.

The Army has also put its weight behind a ‘Second Chance’ to terrorists who are willing to give up violence and return to the mainstream. “The ‘Sahi Raasta’ programme (has) impacted the cognitive mindspace of the youth, aligning them to the mainstream,” the Army stated. This outreach also involves staging events all over the Kashmir Valley to secure the participation of locals in sports, culture, arts, education, skilling and health initiatives.

The outgoing Kashmir commander, Lt General Pandey moves to Mhow as Commandant of the Army War College.