Poonch, Feb 07: When Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi visited the forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Thursday, the itinerary included routine yet vital military engagements—reviewing operational preparedness, interacting with troops at forward locations, and commending them for their high morale and readiness along the border.
But the visit also unfolded into a quieter, deeply personal moment—one that spoke of enduring bonds forged in uniform and sustained long after active service ends.
At Kamsar village in Poonch, General Dwivedi met Subedar (Honorary Captain) Parvez Ahmed (Retired) of the 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, a veteran with whom he shares a long professional history. The two had served together on multiple occasions, including during the period between 2002 and 2005, when General Dwivedi commanded the battalion.
For Subedar Parvez Ahmed, the meeting marked a reunion with a former commanding officer who had once led him in active service. Enrolled in the Indian Army in March 1991, Ahmed retired in March 2019 after completing 25 years in uniform. His career spanned a wide range of operational and instructional assignments, including stints as an instructor at training establishments. Known among peers for his professional competence, he also undertook several specialised courses and was decorated for his service.
Retirement, however, did not mark an end to his association with the Army or the region it protects. Deeply rooted in the local community, Ahmed remained actively engaged with the unit and the people of Poonch. During Operation Sindoor, he played a crucial supporting role by assisting deployed troops with logistics and local coordination—leveraging his familiarity with the terrain and his long-standing relationship with the battalion.
These efforts were carried out at personal risk during periods of heightened tension. His contribution, the Army noted, proved valuable on the ground and earned him formal recognition.
In acknowledgement of his continued service to society and his support to the Army during Operation Sindoor, General Dwivedi felicitated Subedar Parvez Ahmed with the Veteran Achiever Award. The ceremony was attended by family members, fellow veterans, and local residents, lending the moment both official solemnity and community warmth.
The Army Chief also interacted with several other veterans and civilians from the region, including women and children. The exchanges were informal, reflecting the close-knit relationship that exists between serving personnel, former soldiers, and civilian populations in Jammu and Kashmir’s border districts.
In a region where military service is deeply interwoven with everyday life, the visit underscored more than operational readiness. It highlighted continuity—of service, sacrifice, and shared identity—linking soldiers in active duty with veterans who continue to serve their communities long after hanging up their uniforms.
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