By M S Nazki
Aane Wala Pal Woh Jaa Raha hai!
This emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to leadership, not relying solely on one type of personality or skill set.
-“Understand: the greatest generals, the most creative strategists, stand out not because they have more knowledge but because they are able, when necessary, to drop their preconceived notions and focus intensely on the present moment,”
-This is the importance of adaptability and presence of mind in leadership.
Major General Vijay Mahadevan of GOC Force Romeo (Indian Army) knows all about it!
-The reason is that it is all about thinking and doing since both intellectual strategy and practical execution matters a lot!
-And by the way, “every man is scared in his first battle. If he says he s not he s a liar. Some men are cowards but they fight the same as the brave men or they get the hell slammed out of them watching men fight who are just as scared as they are. The real hero is the man who fights even though he is scared, “And this is what the leadership can do to change the future course of action for asoldier!
-Romeo Force is a unit of the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles, operating in the Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir. It is specifically tasked with counter-insurgency operations in the region.
-The force has been instrumental in suppressing militancy in the area and has also focused on organizing village defense committees and employing aggressive tactics.
-Counter-Insurgency Role: Romeo Force is primarily responsible for combating terrorism and militancy in the Rajouri and Poonch districts.
-Rashtriya Rifles: It is part of the Rashtriya Rifles, a specialized force within the Indian Army focused on counter-insurgency operations.
-Geographic Area: The force operates in the Rajouri and Poonch districts, which are known for their terrain and history of militancy.
-Tactics and Strategies: Romeo Force has been involved in various operations, including aggressive tactics to suppress insurgents and organizing village defense committees.
-Impact: The force has played a significant role in reducing civilian killings and enabling displaced villagers to return to their homes
-Joint Operations: They frequently collaborate with the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s SOG in search operations and other security-related activities.
-Humanitarian Assistance: In addition to security operations, Romeo Force has been involved in providing humanitarian aid to civilians affected by cross-border shelling and other incidents, including delivering medical supplies and assistance.
-Security Operations: Romeo Force has been involved in search operations to track down terrorists, as well as operations to recover arms and ammunition.
-Specific Examples: In May 2025, Romeo Force, along with the SOG, conducted a joint search operation in the forest area of Lasana in Poonch, aiming to track down suspected terrorists.
-Also in May, Romeo Force conducted a door-to-door survey in the Jhalas area along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch to assess damage to residential structures after Pakistani shelling and provide medical aid.
-In March 2025, Romeo Force and the J&K Police recovered heavy arms, ammunition, IEDs, and narcotics in Poonch, according to a report
-Romeo Force has also been involved in providing medical aid to civilians injured during Pakistani shelling.
-In essence, Romeo Force plays a vital role in maintaining security and providing support to the local population in a sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir.
-In a shining example of service beyond duty, the Indian Army’s Romeo Force organized a comprehensive medical camp for specially-abled and economically underprivileged individuals from Mendhar, Surankote, and Poonch regions. Held at the Jaran Wali Gali (JWG), Mendhar on 8 July 2025, the camp brought critical healthcare services to more than 300 beneficiaries from remote and underprivileged areas of Pir Panjal region.
The camp was conducted in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), Jaipur, an NGO that works to serve differently-abled people. Through this partnership, the camp successfully provided wheelchairs, hearing aids, walking aids and support devices thus restoring mobility and dignity to numerous individuals.
In addition to Army medical teams, the event featured dedicated support from Ayush medical teams from Rajouri and Poonch Government Hospitals, who provided free health check-ups, herbal medicines and traditional treatment for locals. To ensure inclusive care, lady doctors from both the Indian Army and Government Hospitals were present to attend to women’s health needs, including maternal care, gynaecological consultations and nutrition counselling, a move widely appreciated by the female population.
In the words of community heads of Poonch and Mendhar, “This initiative reflects the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to serve the people of Jammu & Kashmir with compassion and dignity. With the support of BMVSS and civil health authorities, Indian Army has addressed not only human healthcare but also community livelihood. This is more than a medical camp, it is a mission of hope and service. In the words of Shaista Bano, Surankote, “Army ki lady doctor se baat karke sukoon mila aur maine apna check-up thik se karaya”. Ghulam Din, 78 of Mendhar, while expressing his gratitude said “Main laathi ke sahare aaya tha, ab naya sahara mil gaya. Army ka yeh ehsaan mujhe zindagi bhar yaad rahega.”
This event served as a powerful example of coordinated service delivery, bringing together the Indian Army, NGOs and civil medical teams as a synergised team. The camp was a lifeline, offering dignity, access and relief to families in one of the most challenging areas of Pir Panjal region.
The event was conducted under the Indian Army’s flagship outreach programme, Operation Sadbhavana, aimed at enhancing civil-military cooperation and extending the reach of welfare initiatives to the last mile on the edifice of the thoughts, “Jawan and Awam – Ek Saath”.
-If the above is not enough we have more:
Search operation in Poonch: Arms, explosives recovered; Indian Army’s Romeo Force and J&K Police’s joint operation:
A joint search operation by the Indian Army’s Romeo Force and the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) reportedly led to a recovery of a large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives from the area. The operation is underway in the dense forests of Khanater Top in Poonch district, despite persistent heavy rainfall and challenging terrain. Authorities are yet to release more details.In a separate development in north Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday seized properties linked to a Pakistan-based Kashmiri militant handler in Kupwara’s Sogam area.The crackdown targeted Ghulam Rasool Shah, also known as Rafia Rasool Shah, a top commander affiliated with banned terror outfits Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen (JUM). Rasool, the son of Abdul Jabbar Shahr, originally from Peer Mohalla, Chandigam in Lolab, is said to be operating from across the border and has been actively facilitating terror activities in the region. As part of the legal proceedings, authorities have attached five kanals and three marlas of land owned by the accused in Peer Mohalla Chandigam under Section 25 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
-Romeo Force of Indian Army organises Cricket Premier League in : Poonch
49 RR of Romeo Force of the Indian Army organised the Cricket Premier League (CPL) in Keri Kangra LOC Hilly Tarian in Poonch District to absorb the energy of local youths in sports activities on Sunday.
The locals and Youths of the area appreciated the 49 RR of Romeo Force of the Indian Army for organising CPL, in the hilly Tarian ground to involve youth in sports.
While speaking, Manavar Hussain Khan, BJP Mandal President, Balakot, said, “A tournament was sponsored by the Indian Army 49 RR. This tournament was organised in collaboration with the civil society. On behalf of 49 RR, I would like to thank the CO and especially Major Utsav Kumar.”
“I hope that the way CO is standing shoulder to shoulder with us, we are also standing with them. For the youth, our message is to stay away from drugs. And the aim of our army is also the same, and everyone should stand with their country. Indian Army is such an army, whether it is fighting a war on the border or sponsoring such a big tournament here in the village is a very big thing,” he added.
A Local from Poonch Khalid Mehmood Khan hailed Major Utsav Kumar for organising the tounament, “We thank him [ Major Utsav Kumar] from the bottom of our hearts. He organised a very good and heart-warming tournament here.”
A local from Poonch, Taufiq Khan, said, “16 teams came here for this tournament. If there is a war atmosphere or if there is a local problem, we live on the LOC. The Indian Army has always been with us.”
This is what the Romeos are all about! More stories will emanate! So readers wait and keep reading!
