New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS): Kargil War hero, Lt Gen Y.K. Joshi assumed charge of GOC-in-C, Northern Command in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur on Saturday.

The Northern command, takes care of security scenario along the border with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir as well as with China in Ladakh.

Joshi was commissioned into 13 JAK RIF (Bravest of the Brave) on 12 June, 1982 and later commanded the same unit.

During the Kargil war, Lt. Gen Joshi, then a Lt. Colonel, led his unit 13 JAKRIF to capture the key Tiger Hill. He was awarded the Vir Chakra, the country's third highest battle honour, while his battalion earned two Param Vir Chakra awards, eight Vir Chakras and 14 Sena Medals, and the title,"Bravest of the Brave".

Having wide experience of anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir, he will succeed Lt Gen Ranbir Singh who has retired from service on January 31.

The general officer has served as the instructor at Infantry School, Mhow and varied staff exposure, including staff appointment at Military Operations Directorate and as Defence Attache to Beijing (China).

He has also served as Military Observer in United Nations, Angola.