SRINAGAR: Lieutenant General Balbir Singh on Friday took charge as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the strategically vital 15 Corps-also called Chinar Corps, a key formation responsible for guarding the Line of Control (LoC) and overseeing internal security across the Kashmir Valley. His appointment comes at a time when the security landscape in Jammu and Kashmir continues to demand experienced leadership and sustained operational focus, said an official.
His assumption of command follows the departure of Lt. Gen. Prashant Srivastava, who led the Chinar Corps for 19 months marked by significant operational achievements and strengthened public outreach.
An accomplished officer with extensive operational experience in the region, Lt. Gen. Singh has held several pivotal roles in counter‑insurgency and counter‑terrorism operations. Before his elevation, he served as Major General Staff at the Northern Command. His association with Kashmir began early in his career, including a significant tenure at the 8 Sector headquarters in Lolab valley of frontier Kupwara district, where he contributed to operational planning. He later commanded 1 Sector Rashtriya Rifles from 2018 to 2019, strengthening the counter‑insurgency grid during a challenging period.
In 2023, he assumed command of the Counter Insurgency Force (Victor) in Awantipora (Pulwama district), responsible for operations in south Kashmir, an area historically marked by high militant activity. His tenure was defined by close coordination with formations under the Chinar Corps and Northern Command, enhancing joint operational effectiveness.
Lt. Gen Singh, a decorated officer with over 34 years of service, began his new assignment by paying homage at the Chinar War Memorial in Srinagar’s Badami Bagh Cantonment, honouring the sacrifices of fallen soldiers. “With deep experience in counter‑infiltration and counter‑terrorism operations across J&K and the Northeast, he brings strategic clarity and operational insight to the Corps,” a statement issued by the Chinar Corps said.
In his first address, he reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the civil administration and the people of Kashmir to strengthen peace, stability and development, urging collective resolve to overcome persistent challenges.
His predecessor, Lt. Gen. Srivastava, led the Chinar Corps for 19 months marked by significant operational achievements and strengthened public outreach. Under his leadership, the Corps executed Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev, bringing the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack to justice, ensured an incident‑free Amarnath Yatra 2025, and advanced several nation‑building initiatives, a defence spokesman said here. “His tenure also saw major successes in counter‑infiltration along the LoC and counter‑terrorism operations in the hinterland, delivering decisive setbacks to hostile elements,” he asserted, adding, “Known for his humane and approachable leadership style, he fostered trust and goodwill among local communities.”
Lt Gen Srivastava now moves to New Delhi to assume the prestigious role of Quarter Master General at Army Headquarters.
As leadership transitions, the Chinar Corps continues to stand as a symbol of resilience, unity and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the Valley. With renewed focus under Lt Gen Balbir Singh, the Corps remains dedicated to securing lasting peace, nurturing Kashmir’s cultural heritage and supporting the aspirations of its youth for a stable and prosperous future, the spokesman said. The Chinar Corps statement added, “As the mantle of leadership transitions, the Chinar Corps remains an enduring emblem of unity, resilience and unwavering commitment – steadfast in its mission to ensure lasting peace, stability, nurturing rich cultural heritage and meet the aspirations of the Kashmiri youth for a brighter future and ‘Vikasit Kashmir’.”
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