Be prepared: Army Chief Bipin Rawat tells troops at LoC

Rawat visited some forward posts and formations yesterday to assess the situation. Local commanders briefed him about the ceasefire violations and the measures taken.

He was accompanied by Chinar Corps Commander Lt General K J S Dhillon on the visit. The head of the Army heaped praises on morale and motivation of the troops.

Furthermore, he also spoke about emerging security challenges.

Rawat's visit assumes significance, given the increase in ceasefire violations. In Bandipore district, which is a volatile area, heavy shelling and firing were reported from the Pakistani side, earlier this week. The shelling got a befitting response but one person was injured and nearly 23 houses were damaged.

Separately, over two dozen terror pads across LoC have been abuzz with movements for days now.

According to reports, terror outfits, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, have been threatening shopkeepers to not go about their business.

On Thursday, terrorists killed a 65-year-old shopkeeper for keeping his shop open in Parimpora. His death sparked panic in the Valley.

Meanwhile, two Gujjars were abducted and killed by terrorists in Tral, South Kashmir, in the third week of August.

Interestingly, the BJP-led Centre had anticipated such a situation, which is why heavy troops were sent to J&K before annulling Article 370.

The restrictions have been in place since August 5, and a couple of them were removed gradually.

However, reports claimed restrictions were re-imposed in the Valley on Friday after authorities got intel that the prayers could turn violent.