Lieutenant General Devendra Pratap Pandey (Retd), is a former Commandant of the Army War College, Mhow, and an ex-Commander of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps (XV). He previously served as the first Director General of the Territorial Army of the Indian Army.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Lt. Gen. Pandey discusses Jammu & Kashmir's current security and political landscape. He talks about how Kashmiris are increasingly rejecting terrorism and addresses the challenges that lay ahead in the upcoming assembly elections. The general also touches on the potential for Pakistani interference in the electoral process and considers how the abrogation of Article 370 could become a key election issue.

Additionally, Lt. Gen. Pandey shares his perspective on the recent terror attacks in Jammu, highlighting the difficulties that the region's tough terrain presents for security forces. This conversation offers valuable insights into the evolving situation in Jammu & Kashmir and its broader implications for India's security.

(00:00) Coming Up

(01:31) Introduction

(02:12) Upcoming J&K Assembly Elections

(04:13) Abrogation of Article 370

(09:39) Terror Attacks in South Pir Panjal

(20:10) Security Challenges In J&K

(29:09) Stone Pelting in Lal Chowk

(33:45) Corps Commander Responsibilities

(37:02) How Integrated Security Works in J&K

(43:30) Article 370 as a Political Issue?

(48:15) India-Pakistan Dialogue

(55:20) Army's Communication Strategy

(58:23) Media Engagement Rules

(01:02:53) Near-Death Experience

(01:06:48) Going Back to Civilian Life

(01:09:15) Agnipath Scheme Controversy

(01:15:55) Has Peace Returned in the Valley?