General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command lt-Gen KT Parnaik has hung up his boots after serving the Indian army for a period of over four long decades.
In January 2011, lt-Gen Parnaik had taken over the command of the Northern Command at Udhampur in the wake of a period of protests in the valley. A military strategist par excellence, lt Gen Parnaik was credited with handling the precarious border situations without compromising on defending the nation’s interests.
While he was heading the command, it witnessed variety of incidents, including beheading of Indian solider on the line of Control in Mendhar sector of Poonch in January 2013. Without wasting time, lt Gen Parnaik visited the forward posts and calmed down the tempers of the Indian soldiers who were seeking revenge. Popularly known as soldiers’ General, he later on dealt with the situation firmly and regained the domination of the loC by effectively dealing with the suspicious activity along the loC.
He exercised restrain along the lAC as a series of intrusion bids by the Peoples’ liberation Army were reported in ladakh sector leading to an ugly face-off between the two neighboring countries. Known for his plain speak and tough resolve, lt Gen Parnaik handled the recent face off with PlA in Daulat Beg Oldi sector in ladakh. After a series of meetings and deliberations at the highest level, the Chinese army reverted to the pre April 15 positions.
The Indian army made no compromises or dismantled any security structures in the area.
It was during lt Gen Parnaik’s term in office that debate over the need for revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act took centre stage and he led from the front and defended the requirement of having AFSPA in place so as to empower the soldiers fighting in the counter insurgency grid.
One of the most ugly incidents of clash between soldiers and officers took place at Nyoma during the field fighting exercise in May 2012 under his command. He, however handled the situation effectively and prevented it from spilling over to other units. At the same time, it is during his stint in office the Kashmir valley witnessed three consecutive peaceful summer seasons and over all foot falls of pilgrims/tourists increased in the valley owing to peaceful situation on ground zero.
Ironically, on a day when the General was given ceremonial farewell and escorted on a horse chariot by his fellow colleagues and juniors in the Northern Command headquarters Kashmir valley saw alleged killing of two youth in Sumbal area of Bandipora allegedly at the hands of security forces.
Following the incident the J&K police lodged an FIR against the unknown army personnel.
Owing to his sustained efforts, several projects to upgrade the facilities for troops deployed in extreme weather conditions and inhospitable terrain were initiated. He also contributed immensely towards the welfare of the Veer Naris, Veterans and their dependents. In his farewell message, the Army Commander complimented all ranks for their immense professionalism, steadfastness, dedication and loyalty.
He also thanked the Civil administration for their excellent synergy with the Armed Forces. “The Honour and Integrity of our Great Nation rests on your shoulders and the strength of your resoluteness. I am sanguine that you shall continue to
do the Country proud,” he told his Command.