Checking infiltration from across the border and eliminating militants in the Kashmir valley will top the agenda of Lt General B S Jaswal, who takes over as the new General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, on Thursday.

“The Indian Army is well prepared and equipped to deal with every situation to protect the territorial integrity of the country. I will make best efforts to create an environment conducive for the Government to function,” Jaswal told mediapersons at Annandale Ground before flying to Udhampur on Wednesday.

Jaswal said his other priorities would be new initiatives to keep the morale of the forces high and also maintain their battle worthiness.

Earlier, Lt General Jaswal was given a ceremonial send-off on relinquishing the charge of GOC-in-C, ARTRAC, which he served for nearly nine months. The new Northern Command chief dispelled all apprehensions on the growing attention on the Chinese border. He said: “The China border has always been sensitive, but there is no immediate cause for tension or worry.”

On Jammu and Kashmir, Jaswal said: “The Army has been keeping a close watch on the infiltration along the LoC. This will be further strengthened. Steps will be taken to launch a relentless operation,with the help of locals and the civil administration, to flush out all militants hiding in that territory.”

Lt Gen Jaswal, who carries with him a vast experience of working in insurgency environments, said: “The Army is for the protection and safety of the people. We have an excellent coordination and synergy with the local administration.” He claimed that certain new surveillance equipment and weapons had been inducted to help the forces working in the militancy-hit areas, including Kashmir.

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