Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Army Commander of the Northern Command, visited the forward areas of Kilo Force and Baltal to personally review the prevailing security situation and assess the operational readiness of troops deployed as part of Operation SHIVA 2026.
The high-level visit comes as the Army intensifies efforts to ensure a safe and secure environment for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra 2026. During the visit, Lt Gen Sharma, accompanied by GOC 15 Corps Lt Gen Balbir Singh and received detailed briefings on the current security environment, ongoing measures to enhance vigilance, and the overall operational preparedness of the forces stationed along the sensitive routes.
Interacting with commanders and troops on the ground, the Army Commander emphasised the need for sustained alertness, seamless coordination among various stakeholders, and a mission-oriented approach to tackle any potential challenges. He commended the dedication of the personnel and stressed the importance of maintaining the highest standards of readiness in the dynamic security landscape. Operation SHIVA, the Army’s dedicated annual initiative for the Amarnath Yatra, involves the deployment of thousands of troops equipped with advanced weaponry, surveillance technology, and support systems. It aims to create a robust multi-layered security grid along the twin routes — particularly the Baltal axis under Kilo Force — in close synergy with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces, and civil administration. “Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, #ArmyCdrNC, visited the forward areas of #KiloForce and #Baltal to review prevailing security situation and evaluate the operational preparedness of troops deployed for #OpSHIVA2026. During the visit, he was briefed on the current security environment, measures undertaken to strengthen vigilance and operational readiness of troops. Interacting with commanders and troops, the Army Commander underscored the importance of sustained alertness, effective coordination, and mission-oriented execution to remain prepared for all challenges. The #IndianArmy remains committed to provide safe & secure environment for #Shri AmarnathYatra2026 in #Synergy with all stakeholders. #NationFirst#Always In Combat @adgpi @crpfindia@Jmu KmrPolice@ChinarcorpsIA,” Northern Command-Indian Army said in tweet.
