Lieutenant General Balbir Singh on Friday assumed charge as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the strategically crucial XV Corps (Chinar Corps), reinforcing leadership at a time when security dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir remain under close watch.
Headquartered in Srinagar, the Chinar Corps is responsible for guarding the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir and overseeing internal security operations across the Valley. Lt Gen Singh’s appointment comes amid sustained counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism efforts in the Union Territory.
An experienced officer with deep operational roots in Jammu and Kashmir, Lt Gen Singh has served in several key roles linked to counter-insurgency (CI) and counter-terrorism (CT) operations. Prior to his elevation, he was serving as Major General General Staff (MGGS) at the Northern Command.
An alumnus of the Indian Military Academy, Lt Gen Singh began building his Kashmir experience early in his career. He held an important position at the 8 Sector headquarters in Lolab, Kupwara, where he was actively involved in operational planning. He later commanded 1 Sector of the Rashtriya Rifles during 2018–2019, playing a key role in managing the counter-insurgency grid.
In 2023, as a Major General, he took over as GOC of Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Victor, based in Awantipora, succeeding Maj Gen Prashant Srivastava. The Victor Force is responsible for operations in south Kashmir, an area that has historically witnessed significant militant activity. During his tenure, Lt Gen Singh worked closely with formations under the Chinar Corps and Northern Command, contributing to coordinated security operations and strategic reviews.
