JAMMU, APR 28 : Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, a seasoned officer with deep expertise in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism (CI/CT) operations in Jammu and Kashmir, will assume command of the strategically crucial 15 Corps—also known as Chinar Corps—on May 1.
Headquartered in Srinagar, the 15 Corps guards the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir and manages internal security across the Valley. His appointment aligns with the Union Territory’s ongoing efforts to sustain stability after major counter-terror successes.
Previously Major General General Staff (MGGS) at Northern Command, Lt Gen Singh rises to lead the corps. An Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun alumnus, he gained early experience at 8 Sector headquarters in Lolab, Kupwara, planning key operations. He commanded 1 Sector Rashtriya Rifles (RR) from 2018-2019, sharpening CI/CT grid management.
In mid-2023 (third week of June), he took over as GOC of Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Victor in Awantipora, south Kashmir, succeeding Maj Gen Prashant Srivastava. There, he led operations, coordinating with Chinar Corps and Northern Command on security reviews.
Outgoing GOC Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava (Parachute Regiment) handed over after a stellar tenure starting October 5, 2024, following Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai. Highlights included Operation Sindoor—a precision LoC strike on terror infrastructure—and Operation Mahadev, a joint Army-J&K Police-CRPF effort that eliminated three terrorists tied to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam massacre, which killed 26, mostly tourists.
Lt Gen Srivastava now moves to Quarter Master General (QMG) at Army Headquarters, New Delhi, per rotational policy. His Kashmir stint stressed security force synergy and civil society ties for enduring peace.
