COAS General Dhiraj Seth reviews LoC security in Poonch, Rajouri and Sunderbani
Synopsis
In his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since becoming Army chief on 30 June 2026, COAS General Dhiraj Seth toured forward LoC positions in Poonch, Rajouri, and Sunderbani — reviewing the counter-insurgency grid, surveillance architecture, and community outreach in India's border villages, before meeting J&K LG Manoj Sinha and CM Omar Abdullah.
Key Takeaways
COAS General Dhiraj Seth visited forward LoC areas in Poonch , Rajouri , and Sunderbani on 9 July 2026 .
This was his maiden visit to J&K since taking over as 31st Chief of Army Staff on 30 June 2026 , succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi .
He reviewed the counter-insurgency grid of the White Knight Corps and was briefed on surveillance architecture and operational deployments.
General Seth met J&K LG Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss the security situation in the union territory.
He commended troops for operational excellence and directed them to remain mission-focused and operationally agile.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Dhiraj Seth on Thursday, 9 July 2026, visited forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu Division, Jammu and Kashmir, conducting a comprehensive review of security deployments and operational readiness across Poonch, Rajouri, and Sunderbani. The visit marks his first trip to J&K since assuming charge as 31st Chief of the Army Staff on 30 June 2026, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi.
What the COAS Reviewed
According to the Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information, General Seth reviewed the prevailing security dynamics along the LoC and the counter-insurgency grid of the White Knight Corps. He was briefed on the evolving security environment, operational deployments, surveillance architecture, field innovations, and integrated operational readiness.
The COAS also assessed ongoing infrastructure development in the region and the formation's efforts to strengthen community outreach through people-centric initiatives — particularly in India's first villages situated along the border.
Message to Troops
General Seth commended all ranks for their operational excellence and unwavering commitment. He urged them to remain mission-focused and operationally agile, and to continue striving for excellence, according to the Army's official statement.
High-Level Meetings in the Valley
During his stay, General Seth called on J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, with whom he discussed the prevailing security situation across the union territory. He also held separate sessions with senior Army officers to review operational preparedness and combat readiness.
Background on General Dhiraj Seth
General Seth holds the highest active rank in the Indian Army. Before taking charge as COAS, he served as the 49th Vice Chief of the Army Staff. His prior commands include General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command and the South Western Command, General Officer Commanding of Delhi Area, and General Officer Commanding of XXI Corps. He is also the Colonel of the Regiment of the Armoured Corps.
The visit comes at a time of sustained security attention along the LoC in Jammu Division, where counter-insurgency operations have remained active. General Seth's early prioritisation of the forward areas signals a continuity of operational focus at the apex level of Army command.
Point of View
Rather than the Kashmir Valley, reflects the persistent security stress in Poonch-Rajouri, a belt that has seen a disproportionate share of militant contact over the past two years. His meetings with both the LG and the elected Chief Minister in a single visit also suggest an effort to align civil-military coordination at the outset of his tenure. The question mainstream coverage underplays is whether the 'people-centric initiatives' in India's first villages — a recurring phrase in Army statements — are translating into measurable intelligence dividends, or remain largely symbolic outreach.
NationPress
9 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is General Dhiraj Seth and when did he become COAS?
General Dhiraj Seth is the 31st Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army, the highest active rank in the service. He took over from General Upendra Dwivedi on 30 June 2026 and previously served as the 49th Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
Where did COAS General Seth visit along the LoC?
General Seth visited forward areas along the Line of Control in Poonch, Rajouri, and Sunderbani in Jammu Division, Jammu and Kashmir, on 9 July 2026. He reviewed security deployments and the counter-insurgency grid of the White Knight Corps.
What did General Seth review during his J&K visit?
He was briefed on the evolving security environment, operational deployments, surveillance architecture, field innovations, and integrated operational readiness. He also assessed infrastructure development and community outreach programmes in India's border villages.
Who did COAS General Seth meet during his visit?
General Seth met J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss the prevailing security situation in the union territory. He also held sessions with senior Army officers to review operational preparedness.
Why is this visit significant?
It is General Dhiraj Seth's first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since assuming command as Chief of Army Staff on 30 June 2026. The choice of the Jammu Division LoC — an area of sustained counter-insurgency activity — as his maiden field visit underscores the security priority the Army attaches to the region.
