Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava is new commander of Chinar Corps

Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava has taken over the command of the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army. The strategically very important Chinar Corps, under the Northern Command of the Army is headquartered in Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Apart from fighting terrorists in the Kashmir Valley, the Chinar Corps also protects the Indian border adjoining Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

This change of guard  has come soon after the completion of assembly elections held in Jammu and Kashmir after a gap of 10 years.

Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava took over as the commander of Chinar Corps from Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai. Lt Gen Ghai  will take over as the Director General of Military Operations at the Army Headquarters.

After taking over the command, Lt Gen Srivastava paid tribute to the martyred soldiers at the Chinar War Memorial in Badami Bagh Cantonment. He also extended his heartfelt greetings to the citizens of Kashmir and reaffirmed his commitment to synergy in thoughts and actions with the civil administration, society and citizens to promote peace and prosperity in the valley.

The new Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen Srivastava said that the joint efforts of civil society and security forces are the way to eliminate the terrorist infrastructure and the nefarious designs of the enemy.

He said, “The successful conduct of various major events, improved security parameters and evident enthusiasm are a testimony to the people’s desire for development, progress and stable security situation in the valley.” Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava called upon the civil society to take Kashmir towards a future defined by peace and development along with the efforts of the security forces.

According to  a statement  Lieutenant General Srivastava, a war veteran, held several prestigious posts and staff appointments during his illustrious military career spanning 34 years.

 The defence spokesperson said that Srivastava, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, has significant combat experience, especially in areas with high levels of insurgency. Prior to this appointment, Srivastava led the Awantipora-based ‘Victor Force’, an important command overseeing counter-terrorism efforts in South Kashmir. Recognized for his exemplary service,

Lt Gen Srivastava was awarded the Sena Medal in 2011. His extensive operational experience is particularly relevant at a time when the valley is facing increasing tensions related to infiltration from the Jammu region into South Kashmir.

Srivastava, inducted into an elite parachute battalion of the Special Forces on June 9, 1990, has completed all the required career courses including the Defense Services Staff Course in Wellington, Higher Command Course and the National Defense College in the US. He also holds a postgraduate degree in Strategic Studies and Philosophy.

Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai:

Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai took command of the Chinar Corps in June 2023. Now after relinquishing the command of the Chinar Corps on Saturday, he paid tribute to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice for India at the Chinar War Memorial in Badami Bagh Cantonment, Srinagar.

In his farewell address, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to all ranks of the Chinar Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces, civil administration and citizens for their steadfast support in promoting peace and harmony in Kashmir and wished them a bright and promising future.