Srinagar, Apr 14: While highlighting ongoing developmental initiatives along the Line of Control (LoC), Brigadier S.K. Pradhan, VSM, Commander of the Shakti Vijay Brigade, on Monday reiterated that any aggression from across the border will be decisively countered through the combined strength of the Indian Army and the local population.
Speaking to reporters at Simari, a border village in the Karnah Valley, Brigadier Pradhan said, “Any efforts made by Pakistan against India will prove futile. Whatever attempts they make will go in vain — I assure you that.”
Simari, which lies in close proximity to the LoC, was recently fully electrified and made LPG-enabled under a joint initiative of the Army’s Vajr Division and the Aseem Foundation, under the aegis of the Chinar Corps. The project is seen as a strategic step towards uplifting life in border villages while reinforcing national security.
Referring to India’s military history, Brigadier Pradhan said, “In the past, we have decisively won all three major wars, and the local population has always stood by us. We are confident that they will continue to support us in safeguarding the country and upholding our mandate to protect the Line of Control.”
Brigadier Pradhan said that the Indian Army has been carrying out ‘Sadbhavna’ projects for decades and that civil-military cooperation is an integral part of operations in forward areas. “Supporting local communities is not just our responsibility but a moral obligation. We must stand by each other so that our nation remains secure and well cared for,” he said. He added that no opportunity would be given to the enemy to exploit border vulnerabilities.
“Our adversaries may try their best, but the Indian Army, along with the local population and administration, is working hand in hand to ensure the safety and security of the region,” a top Army commander said.
Brigadier Pradhan said despite facing hardships, the people here are simple and resilient. They may speak less, but their actions speak volumes.
Meanwhile , Simari holds deep strategic and democratic importance as Polling Booth No. 1 of India. Until now, the villagers struggled with limited power and primitive cooking facilities. This project has transformed 53 households with solar microgrids and clean cooking LPG kits, significantly improving the quality of life.
The spokesman said that the initiative is dedicated in the memory of Col Santosh Mahadik, Shaurya Chakra, Sena Medal, who laid down his life in service to the Nation. In a solemn tribute, Col Mahadik’s mother, Kalinda Mahadik, Commander Tangdhar Brigade and Sarang Gosavi, Founder & MD of Aseem foundation, jointly inaugurated the solar electrification system in Simari on 14th April 2025.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of a large border population including women, children, local elders, along with media representatives and civil dignitaries. The emotionally charged gathering reflected a deep sense of pride, gratitude, and unity, as light brought happiness to homes and a soldier’s legacy was honoured at the Nation’s edge.
“This initiative is a testament to the Indian Army’s steadfast commitment to border area development, in alignment with the Government of India’s Vibrant Villages Programme. It reinforces the Army’s role not just as defenders of the nation, but as partners in progress-bringing light, dignity, and opportunity to even the remotest frontiers of India,” the spokesman said.
He further said that Chinar Corps in cooperation with the Aseem Foundation, through its sustained efforts in rural electrification, clean energy adoption, and community development, has been playing a vital role in empowering border communities across Jammu & Kashmir.
