Indian army chief takes tough stand on terror
The new army chief has taken a tough stand on terrorism and ceasefire violations along the border.
The Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, who took over as the 27th Chief of Army Staff on December 31 last year, has taken a tough stand on the issue of ceasefire violations, saying India is offering peace to its "adversary" and if it is reciprocated in the same manner, there will be peace on the border.
Addressing a press conference, he said Pakistan recently conveyed through the military channel that it was willing to enforce the ceasefire along the Line of Control and the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir to which "we told them that the words should be supported by actions on the ground and our Army is for peace and tranquility".
However, General Rawat made it clear that such a border ceasefire would not apply for terrorists infiltrating into the Indian side. "We will fire on infiltrating terrorists and we have conveyed this through our DGMO to the Pakistani side," he said.
On the 29 September surgical strikes by the Indian Army on terrorist training camps in POK, which had kicked up a controversy in the political domain, he said a message was sent across the border and was properly conveyed.
Asked if there could be another such strike, the Army Chief said: "Our aim is to ensure peace and tranquillity." He said that "It shall not be needed if there is peace" and that "Our offer to the adversary is if you reciprocate offer of peace in same manner, the need to conduct a surgical strike will not arise".
Elaborating on it, Gen Rawat said, "There are 17 terror camps on the other side. The launch pads which were pulled out after surgical strikes are coming back. Let us wait and watch to see how things unfold. Northern Command is looking pro-actively to counter propaganda."
To a question on terrorist activities, he said, "We have to strengthen those men on ground with better equipment. We were relying excessively on placing guards to police our camps. It is not the most healthy way since we end up using our manpower to guard ourselves which may be exactly what the enemy wants."
He said that the Army would incorporate technology, induct ballistic helmet instead of the patka, better bullet proof jackets and better night vision devices.
Asked about more opportunities for women in the Army, Gen Rawat said, "Women are in the engineering stream, signals among others. We haven't as yet allowed them on the front line because there they will need to share equal responsibility."
The Army Chief observed that it is time to induct newer weapons and look into the future. "We have BMP 1 and 2 (infantry fighting vehicle) and are looking at Future Infantry Combat Vehicle. T72 will need replacement and Future Ready Combat Vehicle is being looked at. Have contracted for Ultra Light Howitzers, will be inducting Dhanush gun also. To replace old Cheetahs and Chetaks, Kamovs coming in. Arjun Tank needs to get lighter and we are going to place more orders," he said.
On the allegations by Lt General P Bakhshi, who had been superseded for the post of Army Chief, of there being a sabotage attempt against him through his character assassination, Gen Rawat said the two have reached out to each other and that Lt Gen Bakshi accepted the government's decision and would support him.
"If he (Lt Gen Bakshi) believes there was any wrongdoing or any requirement of us investigating, we will do that. He will be attending the Combined Commanders Conference which will be held soon. If General Bakshi tells us formally of any wrongdoing, we will look into it," Gen Rawat said.
On his appointment as the Army Chief, he said, "I don't know why I was selected. I humbly accepted what the government's decision was. Do you think I would have challenged the government's decision to appoint me by superseding seniors?"
Commenting on the unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, he said there is also need to fight the indoctrination. "Our secular fabric was targeted. The state should move to where it was before 1989," he said.
On the situation in North East, the General said, "The NSCN IM is talking to us but feels that ceasefire does not exist beyond Nagaland and thus is free to do what it wants in Manipur. However we believe all Naga tribes are with us and there is no setback to the peace process."
Copyright: The Statesman/ Asia News Network
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