In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the visit of top Indian Army commanders to Kishtwar to review the so-called Counter-Terror Grid has once again exposed the hollowness of Narendra Modi’s repeated claims of “normalcy” and improved situation in the territory after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. 

According to Kashmir Media Service, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps (16 Corps), Lieutenant General P K Mishra, accompanied by the GOC of Counter-Insurgency Force (Delta), visited Kishtwar to assess operational preparedness and review the prevailing scenario in the Chenab Valley and adjoining areas. 

Senior commanders were briefed on the situation, operational challenges and measures to enhance coordination among the Indian Army, police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the hilly districts of Kishtwar and Udhampur. The focus remained on intelligence-driven operations, strengthening surveillance, reinforcing forward positions and sustaining a robust military posture in the region. 

Observers in IIOJK said that such high-level military reviews and intensified counter-insurgency operations clearly contradict New Delhi’s narrative that peace has returned to the territory following the revocation of Article 370. They pointed out that continued cordon-and-search operations, aviation support, troop reinforcements and “area dominance” exercises reflect a conflict-driven approach rather than a peaceful and normal environment. 

In recent weeks, joint operations by the Army, police and paramilitary forces have been carried out in dense forests and mountainous belts of Kishtwar and neighbouring Udhampur, leading to encounters and further militarisation of civilian areas. Analysts say the sustained campaign underscores that the ground reality remains volatile despite official claims of stability and development.  

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)