JAMMU, Apr 28: Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, a seasoned officer with extensive experience in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism (CI/CT) operations in Jammu and Kashmir, is set to take over as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the strategically important 15 Corps, also known as Chinar Corps, on May 1.
The 15 Corps, headquartered in Srinagar, is responsible for guarding the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir and managing internal security operations across the Valley.
Lt Gen Balbir Singh’s appointment comes at a crucial time when the Union Territory continues to focus on maintaining stability following several major counter-terror operations in recent years.
He is presently serving as Major General General Staff (MGGS) in the Northern Command and will assume charge as GOC 15 Corps after his elevation.
Lt Gen Balbir Singh brings vast operational experience in Kashmir, particularly in anti-terror operations. He is an alumnus of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun. In his early career, he served at the 8 Sector headquarters in Lolab, Kupwara, where he was actively involved in planning and executing operations.
He later commanded 1 Sector Rashtriya Rifles (RR) during 2018–2019, playing a key role in counter-insurgency grid management.
In 2023, as a Major General, he served as GOC of Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Victor, based in Awantipora, which is responsible for operations in south Kashmir. During his tenure, he worked closely with other formations, including Chinar Corps and Northern Command, in coordinated security operations and reviews.
Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava, from the Parachute Regiment, completed his tenure as GOC 15 Corps after taking charge on October 5, 2024, succeeding Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai. His period as Corps Commander saw major security operations, including Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev.
Operation Mahadev was a joint effort by the Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police, and CRPF that neutralised three terrorists linked to the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.
Lt Gen Srivastava has now been appointed as Quarter Master General (QMG) at Army Headquarters in New Delhi. His tenure in Kashmir was marked by strengthened coordination among security forces and engagement with civil society aimed at long-term peace and stability. (Agency)
