Actively working to dismantle terror ecosystem: Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar

Following a recent surge in terror attacks in Kashmir, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar stated that the Army is actively working to dismantle the terror ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking during a media briefing in Udhampur, Lt Gen Kumar outlined the Army’s strategy focused on curbing violence, fostering youth and women empowerment, promoting education, and reviving J&K’s cultural heritage. Central to this approach, he said, is building a strong bond between civilians and soldiers, while supporting pro-nationalist narratives among the youth.

Lt Gen Kumar highlighted that security forces have neutralised 720 terrorists in J&K over the past five years, reducing the remaining number to around 120. He emphasised that while terror recruitment has dwindled to single-digit figures annually, attempts at cross-border infiltration persist. “The objective appears to be intimidation and disruption, but the situation is under control,” he assured, detailing that surveillance and a multi-layered counter-infiltration grid along the Line of Control (LoC) have been effectively deployed.

The commander noted that the Indian Army, grounded in the principle of “service before self,” is a significant contributor to nation-building by securing borders, countering terrorism, providing disaster relief, and aiding civil authorities. These efforts, he said, have deepened community engagement and ensured successful kinetic operations in the region, promoting peace and development in J&K.

Lt Gen Kumar also referenced recent diplomatic discussions on the India-China border issues, which have led to a consensus on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), enabling disengagement in conflict-prone areas.

Emphasising the coordinated efforts of security agencies, he said the Army has established five joint command and control centres to oversee synchronised anti-terror operations. The commander commended the role of Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in securing remote areas, noting that 10,000 self-loading rifles have been provided to these units, who are receiving ongoing training from the Army.