Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma reviews LoC ops in Poonch, Rajouri
Synopsis
Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma personally toured forward LoC posts in Poonch and hinterland units in Rajouri on 29 October, reviewing counter-terrorism readiness and inter-agency coordination. The visit underscores sustained operational focus in a belt that has seen repeated security incidents — and comes from a command overseeing India's entire northern frontier with both Pakistan and China.
Key Takeaways
Lt Gen Pratik Sharma , Northern Army Commander, visited forward LoC formations in Poonch and Rajouri on 29 October 2026 .
The review covered operational preparedness, counter-terrorism measures , joint intelligence, and inter-agency synergy.
Sharma commended troop morale and urged ranks to remain proactive, vigilant, and mission-ready .
The Northern Command (Dhruva Command), headquartered in Udhampur , oversees three corps: XIV Corps (Leh), XV Corps (Srinagar), and XVI Corps (Nagrota).
Lt Gen Sharma took charge as GOC-in-C on 1 May 2025 ; the command was re-raised in 1972 after being disbanded in 1947.
Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, the Northern Army Commander, on Thursday, 29 October 2026, visited forward formations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as hinterland units in Rajouri, to assess operational preparedness, counter-terrorism measures, and coordination among security agencies deployed in the region.
Key Developments During the Visit
During the operational review, Lt Gen Sharma received detailed briefings on emerging security challenges, joint intelligence mechanisms, and tactical coordination across multiple security agencies, according to military officials. The visit covered both border-facing forward posts along the LoC and interior formations responsible for anti-infiltration operations.
Interacting directly with troops stationed at forward border outposts, the Army Commander commended their high morale and called on all ranks to remain proactive, vigilant, and mission-ready. He stressed sustaining operational dominance along both the border and the hinterland.
About Northern Command
Headquartered in Udhampur, the Northern Command — formally known as the 'Dhruva Command' with its motto 'Always in Combat' — is one of the Indian Army's critical operational commands, tasked with securing India's northern frontiers with Pakistan and China. Lt Gen Pratik Sharma assumed charge as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the command on 1 May 2025.
Originally raised in 1908 under the British Indian Army, the command was disbanded in 1947 and subsequently re-raised in 1972, with its headquarters established in Udhampur.
Three Field Formations Under Northern Command
The Northern Command oversees three major operational corps. The XIV Corps (Fire and Fury Corps), headquartered in Leh, guards the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and conducts high-altitude warfare in Ladakh. The XV Corps (Chinar Corps), headquartered in Srinagar, manages counter-insurgency operations and border security across the Kashmir Valley. The XVI Corps (White Knight Corps), headquartered in Nagrota, is responsible for securing the Jammu region and the LoC.
Counter-Terrorism Role and Siachen Operations
Beyond conventional border defence in challenging terrain — including the Siachen Glacier — the Northern Command conducts extensive counter-terrorism and counter-infiltration operations in the hinterland, primarily through specialised forces such as the Rashtriya Rifles. The Poonch-Rajouri belt has historically been a focal zone for infiltration attempts and anti-terror operations, making high-level reviews of this kind a routine but significant indicator of operational focus.
The visit signals continued emphasis on inter-agency synergy and forward-area readiness in a region that has witnessed recurring security incidents in recent years.
Point of View
Paramilitary forces, and state police has historically been uneven in the Jammu region. That Lt Gen Sharma personally reviewed counter-terrorism coordination, rather than delegating to a corps commander, signals that operational gaps — if any — are being addressed at the highest level. The broader context is a Northern Command stretched across two fronts: the China LAC in Ladakh and the Pakistan LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, demanding constant calibration of resources and readiness.
NationPress
29 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Northern Army Commander visit Poonch and Rajouri?
Lt Gen Pratik Sharma visited to review operational preparedness, counter-terrorism measures, and inter-agency coordination among security forces deployed along the Line of Control and in the hinterland. The Poonch-Rajouri belt is a sensitive zone that has seen recurring infiltration and security incidents.
Who is Lt Gen Pratik Sharma?
Lt Gen Pratik Sharma is the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Indian Army's Northern Command, headquartered in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir. He assumed command on 1 May 2025.
What is the Northern Command and what does it oversee?
The Northern Command, also known as the Dhruva Command, is an operational command of the Indian Army responsible for guarding India's northern borders with Pakistan and China. It oversees three corps: XIV Corps in Leh (China LAC), XV Corps in Srinagar (Kashmir Valley), and XVI Corps in Nagrota (Jammu and LoC).
What security challenges does the Poonch-Rajouri region face?
The Poonch-Rajouri belt along the Line of Control is a focal zone for infiltration attempts and counter-terrorism operations. The Indian Army, along with the Rashtriya Rifles and other security agencies, conducts ongoing anti-infiltration and counter-terrorism missions in the area.
What is the history of the Northern Command?
The Northern Command was originally established in 1908 under the British Indian Army, disbanded in 1947, and re-raised in 1972 with its headquarters in Udhampur. It operates under the motto 'Always in Combat' and is one of the Indian Army's most strategically significant commands.
