Srinagar, Feb 07: General officer Commanding in chief Northern Command, Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday presented Certificate of Appreciation (COA) and Unit Appreciation awards to nominated battalions deployed in Northern Command.
The awards were given to them for their gallant action towards protecting territorial integrity of the nation and in carrying out counter terrorist operations resulting in overall improvement in the security situation in J&K.
In a solemn Investiture Ceremony held at BB Cantt, Srinagar, the Army Commander presented COAS ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ GOC-in-C Northern Command ‘Unit Appreciation’ and the GOC-in-C Northern Command Certificate of Appreciation’ to deserving units who have excelled in Op during their tenure.
The day before the ceremony, a cultural programme was organised by the JAK LI Regimental Centre at BB Cantt. A variety of song and dance performances by Chinar Band mesmerized the audience, which consisted of personnels from Units being awarded. Army Commander complimented the band for the enthralling performances.
The investiture ceremony witnessed an august gathering of the Army personnel and many distinguished personalities from the civilian stream. The Army Commander, in his address, welcomed the distinguished guests and expressed the pride and honour that he felt in “sharing the moment of distinction and glory with our gallant awardees”.
He further extended his compliments to the battalions for their inspiring acts in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. Speaking on the occasion, the Army Commander Commended all ranks of Northern Command for their dedication and devotion to duty in the highest traditions of the Indian Army. He also conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the brave men who made the supreme sacrifice while facing adverse situations. The General Officer also brought out that the ‘Whole of Nation Approach’ has led to the progressive improvement in the security situation in J&K and Ladakh.
The Army Commander further added that Northern Command is in a high state of readiness to face the constantly evolving threats and challenges. He assured the Nation that the Northern Command is prepared to meet all challenges posed by multiple threats from volatile adversaries.
He emphasised upon the ‘Whole of Nation Approach’ to meet the challenges and thus reposed full faith in the support forthcoming from the Union Government and the nation at large.
In the end General Dwivedi expressed his gratitude to the people of J&K and Ladakh, the civil administration and the media for their unstinting support and wished for peace and contentment for the people of this region.
