Who Will Lead the Army's Northern Command After Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar's Retirement?
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Synopsis
As Lt Gen M.V. Suchindra Kumar retires, the Northern Army Command anticipates new leadership from Lt Gen Pratik Sharma amid escalating tensions following a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam. The nation stands united in the face of adversity, as security forces ramp up efforts to combat terrorism.
Key Takeaways
- Lt Gen M.V. Suchindra Kumar retired recently, passing command to Lt Gen Pratik Sharma.
- The command is crucial for security in northern borders including J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh.
- Tensions with Pakistan have escalated following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam.
- The Indian government is committed to a strong military response against terrorism.
- Security forces are actively demolishing homes of terrorists to deter future attacks.
Jammu, April 30 (NationPress) With rising tensions along the Line of Control with Pakistan following the tragic Pahalgam terror assault, Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen M.V. Suchindra Kumar, officially passed on the command of the strategically vital Udhampur formation as he retired on Wednesday.
Taking his place will be Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, who is set to step into the role of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GoC) on Thursday.
In a statement shared on X, the Command noted, "Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander #NorthernCommand laid a wreath to pay tribute to the supreme sacrifice of the #Bravehearts at Dhruva War Memorial, #Udhampur on the occasion of his superannuation and relinquishing command of the Northern Command."
Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar assumed command in February of last year, succeeding Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, who is now the army chief. His tenure spanned 15 months and focused on maintaining security and conducting operations along India's northern borders, which encompass Jammu & Kashmir, parts of Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh.
Relations between India and Pakistan have deteriorated sharply following the April 22 attack in Baisaran meadow, Pahalgam, where terrorists affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) killed 26 individuals, including 25 tourists and a local resident.
This heinous act has sparked nationwide outrage, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to condemn the violence and pledge to pursue the terrorists and their backers relentlessly.
The Prime Minister convened a meeting on Tuesday with key security officials, including the Defence Minister, the National Security Advisor, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the chiefs of the army, navy, and air force, granting them full authority to determine the timing, targets, and scale of retaliation against those responsible for the Pahalgam attack.
On Monday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a lengthy discussion with the Prime Minister after receiving a comprehensive briefing from the Chief of Defence Staff regarding the military's readiness to confront any challenges.
In a recent security review meeting in Srinagar, J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha urged the Army to take necessary measures to locate and eliminate those behind the Pahalgam attack. In a show of strength against terrorists, security forces have been demolishing the houses of suspected militants.
Last Friday, properties belonging to Adil Hussain Thokar and Asif Sheikh were razed in the Tral and Bijbehara regions, respectively. Both individuals are linked to the LeT and were implicated in the Pahalgam massacre. So far, the homes of ten active terrorists in the Kashmir Valley have been demolished.
This past Monday, the J&K Assembly collectively denounced the cowardly terrorist attack.
Point of View
The transition in Northern Army Command comes at a time of heightened security concerns. The new commander must navigate complex geopolitical tensions while ensuring the safety of the nation. The armed forces' resolve to confront terrorism is unwavering, and the government continues to prioritize national security.
NationPress
15/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new Northern Army Commander?
The new Northern Army Commander is Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, who will assume command on Thursday.
What incident triggered the recent tensions in Jammu & Kashmir?
The tensions were triggered by a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, where 26 people, including tourists, were killed by terrorists linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba.
What actions have been taken against terrorists following the Pahalgam attack?
Security forces have been demolishing the homes of terrorists involved in the attack to send a strong message to their supporters.
How long did Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar serve as the Northern Army Commander?
Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar served as the Northern Army Commander for 15 months.
What was Prime Minister Modi's response to the Pahalgam terror attack?
Prime Minister Modi vowed to chase down the terrorists and their backers, emphasizing a strong response to the attack.
