New Army Chief Naravane Visits Forward Posts in Siachen

This was his first visit to the region after taking over the post of army chief.

Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane meets jawans during his visit to the army base camp in Siachen. 

(Photo: PTI)

On his maiden visit after assuming office, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane on Thursday, 9 January visited forward posts in Siachen Sector under the crucial Northern Command.

He was accompanied by Lieutenant General YK Joshi, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Northern Command and Lieutenant General Harinder Singh, General Officer Commanding, 'Fire & Fury' Corps, an official spokesperson said.

Gen Naravane was briefed on the operational readiness being maintained in the sector by Commander, Siachen Brigade, he said.

The Army chief also met and interacted with troops deployed at the forward posts in the Siachen Sector, complimenting them for their tenacity and high morale despite the extreme challenges posed by inclement weather, difficult terrain and super high altitude conditions, the spokesperson said.

Gen Naravane said the entire nation is proud of the soldiers deployed in Siachen, defending the territorial integrity of India.

He exhorted them to continue to discharge their duties with the same enthusiasm and zeal, and also assured them the full support of the country as well as the Army in carrying out their duties, the spokesperson said.

At the Siachen Base Camp, Gen Naravane laid a wreath at the iconic Siachen War Memorial in honour of all the brave Siachen Warriors who have made the supreme sacrifice in the country's defence, the official added.

The Northern Command of the Indian Army is entrusted with manning the country's borders with Pakistan and China.

Gen Naravane took charge as the army chief from Gen Bipin Rawat on 31 December.