Srinagar: Lt General Devender Pratap Pandey has assumed charge as General Officer Commanding of the Srinagar based 15 Corps of the Indian Army.
Lt General Pandey has served in the Indian Army for over 35 years including as the Director-General of the Territorial Army and has been awarded Ati Vashist Seva Medal and Vashist Seva Medal amongst other awards and decorations.
Lt General Pandey has served in six various postings during his career spanning over nearly four decades which includes commanding the Rashtriya Rifles where he has acquired expertise in counter-insurgency operations.
He takes over from Lt Gen Raju who commanded the Corps in a critical phase in 2020 where Kashmir was confronted with the twin challenges of terrorism and COVID-19.
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Lt Gen Raju’s tenure over the last year is defined by an improved security environment prevailing both on the Line of Control and in Kashmir. With the civil administration and security forces synergising their efforts to bring normalcy back to Kashmir, terrorism is on the decline with assessed residual terrorist numbers being the lowest in a decade.
On the Line of Control, his approach combined a forward heavy deployment enabled by a dense electronic and surveillance grid. Pakistani ceasefire violations were dealt with punitive responses resulting in operational ascendancy by the Indian Army.
To complement relentless and successful counter-terrorist operations, Lt Gen Raju ensured an improved Soldier-Citizen connect. This effort included many successful events all over the Kashmir Valley, co-opting the people of Jammu and Kashmir in various sports, culture, arts, education, skilling and health initiatives. The Army effectively used its deployment grid, especially in far-flung areas to be the first respondent in case of need. Grassroot interactions such as intra-dialogue within the youth and ‘Day with Company Commander’ received an overwhelming response.
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Gen Raju strongly propagated for a second chance to the misguided youth, as he believes this to be critical to achieving lasting peace in J&K. The Army has taken proactive steps to connect with the youth including those who have picked up the weapons against the state. There has been a collaborative effort along with society members, families and other stakeholders to encourage and facilitate the return of the misguided youth from the path of terrorism. The effort has got an encouraging response, success in terms of surrenders and support from all sections of the society, and will get additional impetus in the coming months.
Having served as Uri Brigade Commander, GOC of Victor Force and now as GOC Chinar Corps, Gen Raju reinforced and institutionalised high professional standards and ethical conduct in combat operations. He moves to assume higher responsibilities as Director-General of Military Operations of the Indian Army.
On the occasion of Republic Day, Lieutenant General BS Raju was awarded the prestigious Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), in recognition of this contribution in taking Kashmir on a positive trajectory on the path of lasting peace.
In his farewell message, Gen Raju complimented all ranks of Chinar Corps for their dedication and hard work, he also thanked JKP, CAPFs, Civil administration and the Awaam for their relentless support in the joint efforts towards peace and prosperity in J&K. He conveyed his greetings and best wishes to the people of Kashmir and the entire Chinar Corps fraternity.
(With Agency Inputs)
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