Thaindian News

Jammu/Srinagar, Jan 12 (IANS) Two days after media reports that Chinese troops had intruded into Indian territory in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, the top commander of the Indian Army in the state Wednesday visited the headquarters of the troops manning the border with China, an official said.The intrusion by the Chinese troops that grabbed headlines was the reason for the Northern Command chief to visit Leh, which also is the headquarters of the 14 Corps of the army, sources said.

Officially, the reports on the Chinese intrusion were denied by the defence ministry in New Delhi.

Lieutenant General K.T. Parnaik, general officer commanding-in-chief (GOC) of Northern Command, visited Leh in Ladakh region. It was his first visit to the forward areas after assuming charge Jan 1, according to a defence statement.

On arrival in Leh, he was received by Lieutenant General R.P. Dastane, general officer commanding, 14 Corps.

Lieutenant General Parnaik was briefed by Lieutenant General Dastane on the state of operational preparedness, training activities and numerous development works being undertaken by the formation in the remote region of Ladakh.

The GOC expressed appreciation for the corps in carrying out their assigned tasks whilst braving the hardships of high altitude, weather and terrain in the most challenging area of the country, the statement said.

It was a departure from the normal practice as a new chief of the Northern Command usually first visits the Kashmir Valley, where terrorists have been active for the past 21 years, before going to any other area.