Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi Felicitates Old Comrade in Poonch; Reviews Operational Readiness at LoC

POONCH, JAMMU & KASHMIR — Feb 07, 2026 — During a high-profile visit to the forward sectors of Poonch district today, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi showcased the enduring bond between the Indian Army and its veterans by reuniting with an old comrade, Subedar (Honorary Captain) Parvez Ahmed (Retired).

While the Army Chief was in the region to review operational preparedness and commend the high morale of troops deployed along the Line of Control, he made a special stop at Kamsar village to honor Subedar Ahmed, with whom he served closely between 2002 and 2005 during his tenure as Commanding Officer of the 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles.

The veteran, who retired in 2019 after 28 years of distinguished service, was presented with the Veteran Achiever Award in recognition of his exceptional bravery and logistical support during “Operation Sindoor,” where he assisted active troops at significant personal risk.

The visit, attended by ex-servicemen, local residents, women, and children, underscored the deep-rooted synergy between the military and border communities, reinforcing the Indian Army’s commitment to its “Soldier for Life” ethos in the sensitive Jammu and Kashmir theater.