Rajouri, Jan 14: Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma on Wednesday said Jammu and Kashmir is a vital pillar of India’s national-security architecture, not only because of its geographical importance but also due to its strong military ethos and human resources.

Addressing a gathering at the concluding ceremony of the 10th Veterans-Day celebrations in Rajouri, the Army commander also lauded the region’s contributions to the armed forces.

“Jammu and Kashmir is not only strategically important, but is also a vital pillar of the nation’s core security architecture in terms of human resources and military tradition,” Lt Gen. Sharma said.

Highlighting the region’s contribution to the armed forces, he said with a population of nearly 1.5 crore, Jammu and Kashmir accounts for around 4 to 5 per cent representation in India’s border security forces. “This is a significant contribution when seen in proportion to the overall strength of the armed forces,” he said.

Referring to the rich military legacy of the region, Lt Gen. Sharma said Jammu and Kashmir is deeply rooted in diverse regimental traditions that reflect a unique spirit of patriotism and sacrifice.

“The exceptional performance of prestigious regiments such as the JAK Rifles, JAK Light Infantry and Dogra units in every war is a matter of pride for the soil of Jammu and Kashmir and its people,” he said.

The Northern Army commander pointed out that the Union Territory is home to nearly 45,000 veterans and 975 “Veer Nari”, who continue to serve the country in different capacities.

“Through their discipline and patriotism, our veterans have also made valuable contributions in disaster management and in other civic roles, strengthening military-civil fusion,” he added.

Recalling the role of veterans during Operation Sindoor, Lt Gen. Sharma said their experience, local knowledge and valour played a key role in boosting the morale of the troops deployed in border areas.

“During this unique coordination effort, the morale of our forces was at its peak. Every soldier of the Northern Command displayed exemplary bravery, taught the enemy a fitting lesson and upheld the highest traditions of mutual trust and camaraderie,” he said.

The Army commander said a series of commemorative programmes was organised from January 8 to January 14 across various areas under the Northern Command as part of the 10th Veterans-Day celebrations, culminating in the closing ceremony at Rajouri.

Expressing satisfaction over the public participation, he said, “The gracious presence of the lieutenant governor and the large turnout today fill me with immense pride and satisfaction.”

He also lauded the Dhruv motorcycle rally and said the riders covered more than 740 kilometres across the remote and challenging terrain of the Pir Panjal range. “I wholeheartedly commend the riders for their courage, endurance and discipline,” he said.

Lt Gen. Sharma said medical camps were organised ahead of the main event at Nagrota, Akhnoor, Reasi, Sunderbani, Nowshera, Poonch and Thanamandi for soldiers, veterans, Veer Naris and their families.

“These camps provided medical assistance and also facilitated the distribution of blood-pressure machines, electronic wheelchairs and e-rickshaws,” he added.

The Army officer said outreach initiatives related to pensions, medical care, social welfare, goodwill, employment and procurement have ensured administrative reach in remote and border areas.

“Joint efforts by the Army and the civil administration are translating welfare schemes for veterans into timely and tangible outcomes on the ground,” he said.

Promising continued support, the Army commander said, “We remain fully committed to the welfare, dignity and well-being of our veterans and their families. Their concerns and needs are our collective responsibility.”

Lt Gen. Sharma said issues raised during recent interactions, including shortages of medical specialists, availability of medicines at the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) facility in Rajouri, empanelment of hospitals and the need for additional ECHS facilities in Poonch, would be addressed at the earliest.

The Northern Army commander expressed gratitude to LG Manoj Sinha and the civil administration for their support and cooperation.

Srinagar, Jan 14: Peoples Conference chairman and MLA Sajad Lone on Wednesday said that the Chief Minister must honour his promise of establishing a Law University in Budgam, as assured during the recently concluded Budgam Assembly by-elections, warning that any deviation would undermine the sanctity of the Chief Minister’s office.

In a strongly worded statement, posted on X, Lone said that electoral commitments made by the head of the government carry institutional responsibility and must be implemented in both letter and spirit. “The sanctity of the office of the Chief Minister demands that such promises are kept,” he said.

Referring to opposition from Jammu over the proposed institution, Lone said he hoped the region prospers but described what he termed an “obsession” with opposing development projects in Kashmir as deeply troubling. He pointed out that Jammu already hosts an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and questioned why the establishment of a Law University in Kashmir should be viewed as contentious.

Lone alleged that Jammu has increasingly been used as a political instrument to counter Kashmir’s developmental aspirations, stating that grievances are raised selectively. He claimed that despite major administrative and economic changes—such as the discontinuation of the Darbar Move and diversion of business activity—there was little resistance from Jammu-based leadership.

“Their political assertiveness becomes visible only when it comes to opposing Kashmir,” Lone alleged.

The Peoples Conference chief also cautioned that attempts to integrate Kashmir with the rest of the country would fail if driven by what he described as “self-appointed intermediaries” who, he said, routinely portray Kashmir as hostile while projecting only one region as loyal.

Lone further linked the issue to growing resentment in Kashmir over reservation policies, alleging that Kashmiris are increasingly being crowded out of opportunities. He warned that such developments were fuelling alienation and deepening regional fault lines.

Stressing the need for candid political leadership, Lone said it was time to “call a spade a spade” and address the widening trust deficit between regions. He cautioned that public patience in Kashmir was wearing thin and that unresolved grievances could have long-term political consequences.

Jammu, Jan 14: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma on Wednesday greeted veterans on the occasion of Armed Forces Veterans Day.

Sinha expressed gratitude to veterans and saluted the valour of the brave men and women of the Armed Forces.

“I express my deepest gratitude to the Veer Naris and family members of veterans,” the Office of the Lieutenant Governor said in a post on X.

Sharma and all ranks of Northern Command also extended greetings to all veterans, their families and veer naris (wives of defence personnel who have laid down their lives for the nation) on the occasion of the 10th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day 2026, the Northern Command said in a post on X.

Sinha will address the 10th Armed Forces Veterans’ day rally later in the day.

The Indian Army on Tuesday kick-started the 10th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day celebrations with a mega two-day ex-servicemen rally in the border district of Rajouri, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to honouring the service and sacrifices of its veterans.