Opinion | Lt. Gen. Dwivedi: Mastery in Military Command.

For Kashmir, it is a matter of pride to have Lt. Gen. Dwivedi as the Chief. He knows Kashmir intimately, from its length to its breadth, and the people of the valley are expecting a new and positive experience during his command.

Commanding the Northern Command operational units is both an honour and a formidable challenge. During Lt. Gen. Dwivedi’s tenure, the Kashmir Valley faced multiple trials. As the Northern Army Commander, Lt. Gen. Dwivedi provided strategic guidance and operational oversight for planning and executing sustained operations along the northern and western borders. He also orchestrated dynamic counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, demonstrating unparalleled leadership in times of adversity.
Major General Sudhakar Jee, VSM (Retd), offers a unique and close perspective on the 46th Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Dwivedi (PVSM, AVSM). Having served alongside him as a young Captain in the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and following his career closely ever since, I feel well-equipped to write about his remarkable journey.
While many know that Lt. Gen. Dwivedi hails from Madhya Pradesh and attended Sainik School Rewa, it is essential to highlight his exceptional fitness and leadership from his early days. In the class of 1980, he stood out as one of the fittest. He joined the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in January 1981 in Charlie Squadron and graduated from the 65th NDA course.
From his school days, Lt. Gen. Dwivedi was an outstanding sportsman, excelling in both the NDA and IMA, where he earned the blue in Physical Training and ranked high in course merit. His excellence continued post-commissioning, where he won the gold medal in the Physical Training course.

He graduated from the esteemed IMA in December 1984, commissioning into the 18th Battalion of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. Notably, his regiment is the only Indian Army regiment that never came under British rule, with a storied history of victories in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, and Tibet under General Zorawar Singh.
Lt. Gen. Dwivedi’s career is a testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional fitness, and outstanding leadership, making him an exemplary Chief of the Army revealed by the Maj Gen Sudhakar Jee, VSM (Retd)
From a Kashmiri perspective, the tenure of Gen. Dwivedi as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command was a golden period for the people of Kashmir. The years from 2022-24 were historical, with the Indian Army playing a significant role. Through strategic efforts, Gen. Dwivedi successfully managed to control violent situations in Kashmir and oversaw significant developments during his command. The Army’s presence is pervasive, and the people have a deep connection with and high expectations of the Army. According to official records, more than 750 militants were killed from 2019-23. Some of these initiatives have been possible only due to the efforts of ground-level army officers under the supervision of Lt. Gen. Dwivedi. Under his leadership, Kashmir experienced transformative changes during 2022-24.
Minimal Terrorism: Fighting with terrorism in Kashmir has remained a very tough challenge. During General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command Kashmir saw a peaceful environment, stone pelting, violence and crises got at zero levels, above all 750 militants got gunned down and terrorism recruitment of locals in militancy has gone down considerably. Being in the valley, Gen Dwivedi commanded 18 JaK Rif in Panzgam during the peak of militancy.
Success in G-20: It is indeed phenomenal and historical that among the list of cities where G-20 Summit meetings were scheduled was the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir. Hosting the G-20 summit in Kashmir was a dream realized, as convening an international event of this magnitude in the Kashmir Valley seemed unimaginable just a few years ago. The Indian Army, under the command of Gen. Dwivedi, played a pivotal role in the successful conduct of the summit. Their efforts in ensuring security, fostering a positive environment, and supporting local communities were instrumental in making this event a historic success. This significant achievement, symbolizing peace and stability in the region, was made possible by the strategic efforts and unwavering dedication of the Indian Army. The summit not only highlighted the Army’s capabilities but also underscored the potential for peace and development in Kashmir. The Indian Army’s presence in Kashmir has always been instrumental in maintaining peace and order. For the G-20 summit, the Army took extensive measures to ensure the security of the delegates and the smooth execution of the event, including enhanced surveillance with advanced systems to monitor potential threats and ensure timely responses. This landmark event showcased Kashmir as a secure and welcoming destination on the global stage.
Amarnath Yatra: The Amarnath Yatra is a significant pilgrimage attracting thousands of devotees each year. During a cloudburst incident on July 2022, the Indian Army played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the pilgrims. Under the exemplary leadership of Lt. Gen. Dwivedi, the Army conducted swift and efficient rescue operations. The soldiers provided immediate medical aid, facilitated the safe evacuation of stranded pilgrims, and restored critical infrastructure. Lt. Gen. Dwivedi’s strategic oversight and rapid mobilization of resources were instrumental in mitigating the disaster’s impact. His leadership ensured coordinated efforts between the Army, local authorities, and emergency services, showcasing the Army’s commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The effective management of the crisis not only saved lives but also reinforced the deep trust and connection between the people and the Army.
Border Tourism: Lt. Gen. Dwivedi has made tremendous efforts to promote border tourism, particularly in North Kashmir. Under his leadership, various transit facilities, resting places, and cafeterias have been established, enhancing the visitor experience in these remote regions. One of the most significant projects has been the establishment of the historic Shina Cultural Centre (Shinon Meeras) in the picturesque valley of Gurez. The primary objective of this centre is to preserve and promote the rich artistic heritage of the Dard-Shin tribal community and to offer the world a glimpse into its vibrant culture. The Shina Cultural Centre, completed within a span of 90 days, includes a museum that stands prominently in front of the centre, accompanied by a picturesque resting spot on the banks of the Kishanganga River. This initiative not only preserves cultural heritage but also attracts tourists, providing them with a unique and enriching experience.
During the period from 2022 to 2024, numerous facilities were developed to enhance tourist access and comfort in the region. Lt. Gen. Dwivedi’s strategic vision included improving physical infrastructure, such as better roads and communication networks, ensuring a skilled workforce to cater to the needs of tourists, and fostering an environment conducive to new business ventures. These efforts have transformed Gurez and other border areas, making them more accessible and attractive to visitors.
Lt. Gen. Dwivedi’s dedication to promoting border tourism has not only provided a significant boost to the local economy but has also played a crucial role in building a positive image of these regions. His efforts have made it possible for tourists to explore and appreciate the unique beauty and culture of North Kashmir, contributing to peace and development in the area.
High Voter Turn Out: Kashmir Valley witnesses high voter turn out due to the maintenance of law and order. The high voter turnout in recent elections in Kashmir has been a significant indicator of the region’s growing stability and democratic engagement. The Indian Army, under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Dwivedi, played a crucial role in facilitating this positive change. Their efforts in ensuring a secure environment allowed voters to exercise their democratic rights without fear. The Army conducted extensive area domination exercises, set up security checkpoints, and maintained vigilant patrols to deter any threats of violence or intimidation. Additionally, the Army’s engagement with local communities helped build trust and confidence among the residents, encouraging them to participate in the electoral process. The collaborative efforts between the Army, local law enforcement, and election officials ensured that the elections were conducted smoothly and peacefully. This high voter turnout is a testament to the Army’s commitment to supporting democratic processes and fostering a sense of normalcy and security in Kashmir.
So then, our Chief needs no introduction to Kashmir; he just needs to apply what he has learned from the ground. The ground in Kashmir is very fertile and just needs the manoeuvring of thoughts, ideas, and policies to make it a better place. My humble request is to allocate sufficient funds to the Army in Kashmir, which has successfully uplifted rural, backward, and border communities from dust to the sky.
The eye-witnessed fact of the Indian Army’s initiatives in education, such as establishing Goodwill schools, revitalizing sports activities that were on the verge of decline, and preserving cultural ethos and literature, is itself an amazing accomplishment available on the ground. The promotion of tourism, especially border tourism by the Indian Army, has paved the way for peace and prosperity in Kashmir.
However, people in Kashmir often feel a sense of segregation from the Indian Army due to its limited involvement in people-oriented initiatives. The Indian Army, deeply connected to the grassroots level, needs to be financially sound to continue its projects in Kashmir with the same progress.
vadaiekashmir@gmail.com