In a heartwarming moment amid heightened security reviews, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi shared a special reunion with a retired colleague during his visit to the forward areas of Poonch. Arriving in Jammu on Friday for a two-day tour, the Chief of Army Staff wasted no time diving into operational assessments.
His first stop was the White Knight Corps headquarters in Jammu, where he meticulously reviewed the security landscape and troop deployments along the Line of Control. Commanders at Nagrota base provided exhaustive briefings on counter-terrorism grids and strategic positioning, underscoring the army’s unwavering vigilance in the region.
General Dwivedi also engaged with officers from other security agencies, fostering essential inter-agency coordination vital for regional stability. On the second day, he took the assessment to the frontlines, personally visiting Poonch’s forward locations to interact directly with the troops.
Praising the soldiers’ high morale and alertness, the army chief commended their dedication. The visit peaked in emotional resonance at Kamsar village in Poonch, where he met Subedar (Hony Capt) Pervez Ahmad, a retired veteran from 18 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles.
This encounter held deep significance: between 2002 and 2005, General Dwivedi had commanded the battalion, with Subedar Pervez serving under him. Having joined the army in March 1991, Pervez served 25 illustrious years before retiring in March 2019.
Even post-retirement, his commitment shone through during Operation Sindoor, where he aided active troops with supplies, local intelligence, and unwavering support. Recognizing this exemplary service, General Dwivedi honored him with the Veteran Achiever Award, celebrating the vital role of ex-servicemen as the army’s enduring eyes and ears.
Retired personnel like Subedar Pervez continue to bolster operations against terrorism, their local insights proving invaluable alongside seamless agency collaborations. Such bonds and contributions fortify India’s defense posture, ensuring resilience against evolving threats.