Srinagar: Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava has officially taken command of the Chinar Corps, which is strategically crucial for managing the border with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and combating terrorism in the Valley. He succeeds Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, who is set to become the director general of military operations at the Army headquarters.

This leadership change follows the completion of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, which were held after a ten-year hiatus. Upon taking command, Lt Gen Srivastava paid his respects at the Chinar War Memorial located in the Badami Bagh Cantonment.

A seasoned military officer with a distinguished career spanning 34 years, Lt Gen Srivastava has held various esteemed positions and staff roles. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and has considerable combat experience, particularly in regions known for high insurgency levels.

Prior to this role, he commanded the Awantipora-based 'Victor Force,' which plays a vital part in counter-insurgency operations in southern Kashmir. Lt Gen Srivastava was commissioned into an elite parachute battalion of the Special Forces on June 9, 1990, and has successfully completed essential military courses, including those at the Defence Services Staff Course in Wellington and the National Defence College in the US. He also holds a master's degree in strategic studies and philosophy.

Recognized for his dedicated service, Lt Gen Srivastava received the Sena Medal in 2011. His extensive operational background is particularly pertinent as the Valley faces increased tensions related to infiltration from the Jammu region into South Kashmir.

On assuming command, he conveyed his greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and expressed his commitment to collaborate closely with the civil administration and local communities to foster a peaceful and prosperous future. He called on society members to unite with the security forces to tackle the challenges posed by terrorism.

As leadership transitions, the Chinar Corps remains a symbol of unity, resilience, and hope, dedicated to securing the region. During Lt Gen Ghai's 16-month tenure, the area witnessed a robust security framework that facilitated peace and stability. His leadership included successful management of two incident-free Amarnath Yatras, the Parliamentary elections in May 2024, and the recent three-phase Assembly elections. The Chinar Corps also made significant strides in counter-infiltration operations along the Line of Control (LoC) and in the Valley, effectively undermining terror networks.

The outgoing GOC is remembered for his compassionate and approachable demeanor. Meanwhile, Lt Gen Ghai has extended his best wishes to the people of Kashmir for a hopeful and bright future.

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