Lt Gen Balbir Singh Is New Chinar Corps Goc

2026-05-01 07:05:14

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Lieutenant General Balbir Singh on Friday assumed the command of the Army's Srinagar-based strategic XV Corps from Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava, who has been appointed as Quarter Master General at the Army headquarters.

Lt Gen Singh had earlier commanded the Victor Force, which looks after counter-insurgency operations in south and central Kashmir. His tenure saw the killing of Col Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Dhonchak and Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Humayun Bhat by terrorists in the higher reaches of Kokernag on September 13, 2023.

A statement from the XV Corps, often referred to as Chinar Corps, said Lt Gen Singh is a highly decorated and battle-hardened officer with over 34 years of service.

After assuming charge of the new role, the General Officer Commanding (GoC) paid respects at the Chinar War Memorial, honouring the supreme sacrifice of the nation's bravehearts.

In his inaugural address, Lt Gen Singh reaffirmed his resolve to work in close synergy with the civil administration and the people of Kashmir to further strengthen the foundation of peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

He exhorted all sections of society to join hands with the security forces in overcoming the persistent challenges, the statement said.

Lt Gen Srivastava relinquished the command and handed over the reins of the Chinar Corps after 19 months. During his tenure, the valley witnessed the terror attack in Pahalgam's Baisaran meadow, where 26 people were killed by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists.

“His eventful and challenging tenure was characterised by meticulous execution of OP SINDOOR & OP MAHADEV, which brought the perpetrators of the dastardly 'Pahalgam Attack' to justice, incident-free conduct of the Amarnath Yatra 2025 and multiple initiatives in nation building,” the statement said.

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In a post on X, the Chinar Corps said that on relinquishing the command, Lt Gen Srivastava paid homage at the Chinar War Memorial, honouring the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation.

“In his farewell message, he thanked all ranks of Chinar Corps, @JmuKmrPolice, Central Armed Police Forces, Civil Administration and the Awaam of #Kashmir for their steadfast support in fostering peace and harmony,” the post said.

Chinar Corps is responsible for guarding the Line of Control with Pakistan, besides countering terrorism in the Kashmir valley.

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