Army Chief interacted with soldiers and praised their morale, professionalism, while operating in a sensitive border environment.
Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi
NEW DELHI: Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday visited forward areas in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, where he assessed the operational readiness of troops deployed at forward posts and interacted with soldiers on the ground. He lauded the personnel for their high morale, professionalism and preparedness while operating in a sensitive border environment.
As part of the visit, General Dwivedi also halted at Kamsar village in Poonch, where he met Subedar (Honorary Captain) Parvez Ahmed (Retired) of the 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. The interaction carried personal significance, as the two had served together on multiple occasions, including during the period when General Dwivedi commanded the battalion from 2002 to 2005.
Subedar Parvez Ahmed was inducted into the Indian Army in March 1991 and superannuated in March 2019 after completing 25 years of distinguished service. Throughout his career, he served in a variety of operational and instructional roles, including tenures as an instructor at training institutions. He also completed several specialised courses and earned multiple commendations for his service.
Following his retirement, the veteran continued to play an active role in community engagement. During Operation Sankat Mochan, he made a significant contribution by supporting deployed troops through logistical assistance and coordination with local residents, drawing upon his extensive knowledge of the area and long-standing association with the unit. His efforts, undertaken at personal risk during periods of heightened tension, were formally acknowledged by the Army.
In recognition of his sustained contribution to society and support to the force, General Dwivedi felicitated Subedar Parvez Ahmed with the Veteran Achiever Award during the visit. The felicitation ceremony was attended by his family members, fellow veterans and local residents.
The Army Chief also interacted with several other veterans and civilians from the region, including women and children. These informal interactions reflected the strong and enduring bond between serving soldiers, former servicemen and civilian communities in the border districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
For the local population, where military service is deeply interwoven with everyday life, the visit reaffirmed the enduring connection between the Indian Army, its veterans and the communities they represent.
