Army chief visits Northern Command HQ

Jammu, July 13 (IANS) Army chief Gen. Bikram Singh Sunday visited the Northern Command headquarters at Udhampur near here and paid tributes at the war memorial, a defence statement said.

Gen. Singh, who is on a two-day farewell visit to Jammu and Kashmir, was accompanied by his wife Bubbles Singh, the president of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA).

"At Udhampur, Gen. Bikram Singh paid homage to the martyrs at Dhruva War Memorial," the statement said.

"He addressed all ranks and was accorded a warm farewell by troops of northern command headquarters.

"During his address, he complimented all officers and men for their exemplary sense of duty, people-friendly approach during counter-terrorist operations, extending humanitarian assistance to the people and also in resolutely guarding the northern frontiers of the country.

"He stressed upon the rich military traditions, ethos and the value systems and the importance of remaining committed and focused to discharge our onerous responsibilities, while catering for all contingencies," it added.

The army chief also visited Rajouri and Tanda and thereafter left for Satwari cantonment in Jammu district where they were received by Tiger Division commander, Maj. Gen. Dushyant Singh and his wife Usha Singh, the statement added.