Jammu, 28 April (H.S.): Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, an old hand and a highly experienced officer with deep roots in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism (CI/CT) operations in Jammu and Kashmir, is set to take over as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the strategically vital 15 Corps, also known as Chinar Corps, on May 1.

The 15 Corps, headquartered in Srinagar, is responsible for safeguarding the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir and overseeing internal security operations across the Valley.

Lt Gen Balbir Singh’s appointment comes at a time when the Union Territory continues to focus on maintaining stability following significant counter-terror operations in recent years.

He was presently Major General General Staff (MGGS) Northern Command and after elevation, got posted as GOC 15 Corps.

Lt Gen Balbir Singh brings vast operational experience in Kashmir, particularly in anti-terror activities. He is an alumnus of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun. His early career included a key posting at the 8 Sector headquarters in Lolab, Kupwara, where he was directly involved in planning and overseeing operations. He later commanded 1 Sector Rashtriya Rifles (RR) during 2018-2019, a critical role in counter-insurgency grid management.

In 2023, as a Major General, he served as GOC of Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Victor in mid-2023 (around the third week of June), relieving the then Maj Gen Prashant Srivastava.

He held the Victor Force command, based in Awantipora and responsible for operations in south Kashmir, demonstrating strong leadership in CI/CT grids. During his tenure, he collaborated closely with senior formations, including the Chinar Corps and Northern Command, on multiple operations and security reviews.

Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava, from the Parachute Regiment, had a distinguished tenure as GOC 15 Corps after assuming charge on October 5, 2024, succeeding Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai. His period as Corps Commander was marked by robust security operations, including Operation Sindoor (a precision strike across the LoC targeting terror infrastructure in response to escalating threats) and Operation Mahadev.

The latter was a joint operation involving the Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police, and CRPF that successfully neutralised three terrorists. These individuals were directly linked to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack (also referred to as the Pahalgam massacre), which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists.

Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava has now been appointed as the new Quarter Master General (QMG) at Army Headquarters in New Delhi, a key logistical and administrative role. His move reflects the Army’s policy of rotational higher command appointments. During his stint in Kashmir, he emphasized synergy among security forces and engagement with civil society to foster lasting peace.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar