SOURCE: AFI
In a significant realignment of military resources, the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Division of the Uniform Force, previously redeployed to Eastern Ladakh, is set to return to its original operational area in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). This shift comes as the newly established 72 Infantry Division, whose raising has been underway for months, prepares to assume responsibility for securing India’s northern frontiers in Ladakh. The redeployment reflects the Indian Army’s evolving strategy to balance security challenges along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.
The RR Division, known for its counter-insurgency expertise, was moved to Eastern Ladakh following heightened tensions with China, particularly after the deadly Galwan Valley clash in June 2020. The clash prompted a major reassessment of India’s military posture, leading to an increased focus on bolstering defenses along the LAC. However, this shift left a security gap in Jammu, where Pakistan-based terrorist groups have exploited the reduced troop presence to escalate attacks. The return of the RR Division to J&K aims to address this vulnerability and restore stability in the region.
Taking over in Eastern Ladakh is the 72 Infantry Division, a formation originally cleared in 2017 as part of the ambitious 17 Mountain Strike Corps (MSC). Initially envisioned to be based in Pathankot for operations in Eastern Ladakh, the 72 Division was intended to complement the 59 Division, which would focus on areas under the Eastern Command. However, evolving operational priorities and the growing Chinese threat prompted a reorganization. The 72 Division has now been placed under the Northern Command, with its headquarters currently being established in Ladakh.
According to sources, the raising of the 72 Division’s headquarters is the first step in this transition. The headquarters will consist of 25 officers, 30 Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), and 112 jawans. Military officials have clarified that this move does not involve an overall increase in manpower but rather a reallocation of existing resources to optimize operational efficiency. “This is about restructuring and redeployment, not adding new troops,” a source explained.
The roots of these changes trace back to the Galwan Valley incident, which exposed vulnerabilities in India’s border defenses and triggered a series of measures to strengthen the LAC. The Army redeployed units, enhanced infrastructure, and bolstered firepower in Ladakh, including the temporary shift of the RR Division from J&K. While these efforts significantly improved India’s position in the north, they inadvertently weakened security in Jammu, where terrorist infiltration and attacks surged. The return of the RR Division, with its specialized counter-insurgency capabilities, is expected to reverse this trend and reassert control over the volatile region.
The 72 Division’s deployment in Eastern Ladakh underscores India’s long-term commitment to countering China’s military assertiveness. Designed as part of the Mountain Strike Corps, the division is tailored for high-altitude warfare, bringing a mix of offensive and defensive capabilities to the rugged terrain of the LAC. Its placement under the Northern Command signals a permanent shift in focus toward the northern borders, even as the Army recalibrates its presence elsewhere.
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