Indian Army Chief reviews security in Indian-controlled Kashmir

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Indian Army Chief General Bikram Singh Tuesday reviewed security scenario of Indian-controlled Kashmir and discussed with local officials issues relating to the situation in the region.

"General Bikram Singh, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) paid a two-day visit to Valley to carry out review of security situation and to interact with troops deployed in the forward areas of Baramulla and Kupwara sectors as well as the hinterland," said an Indian army spokesman.

The Army Chief also called on region's Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss the prevailing security situation in Muslim majority areas of the region.

Last month militants ambushed an Indian army convoy in Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, and killed eight troopers and wounded several others.

Singh arrived in Srinagar Monday on a two-day visit to the restive region. He was received by Lt Gen Sanjiv Chachra, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GoC), Northern Command and Lt Gen Gurmit Singh, Chinar Corps Commander at airport in Srinagar.

"The Army Chief was given a detailed briefing on the prevailing security scenario in the Kashmir Valley and the ongoing endeavors of army towards enduring peace," said the spokesman.

"The General also addressed officers of entire Northern Command, " he added.

During his tour to the line-of-control (LoC) in Indian- controlled Kashmir, Singh interacted with the troopers and complimented them for their vigilance, state of preparedness and high morale.

LoC is a de facto border dividing Kashmir into Indian and Pakistani controlled parts.

Last week the Indian army said it killed five militants during a fierce gunfight while thwarting a major infiltration attempt in Keran sector of frontier Kupwara district, around 125 km northwest of Srinagar.

Gunfights between militants and Indian army troopers in Indian- controlled Kashmir take place intermittently. A guerrilla war is going on between militants and the Indian troops stationed in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989.

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