Army chief warns Pak: Humne bhi churian nahin pehni hain

“If they (Pakistan troops) violate ceasefire,humne bhi churian nahin pehni hain (we are not wearing bangles). Our men also fire. This work is done at the tactical level and it is happening,” he said,adding,“This (reacting to ceasefire violations) is seen at the lower level and not decided at the Army Chief’s level.”

The Army had conveyed its concern to the Centre on ceasefire violations,the beheading of an Indian soldier and the brutal killing of another soldier by Pakistani troops in January.

“At that time,we showed our concern…We have shown our emotions (to the Centre),” the Army Chief,who was here to attend the War Decorated India Triennial National Convention cum Reunion,said.

He,however,declined to comment on the visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf to India against the backdrop of unease over the killing of two Indian soldiers by the Pakistan Army.

“It (visit of Pakistan PM) is a political decision… let’s not make an issue out of it. Let the government take the decision,” Singh said.

Asked about China strengthening road infrastructure near Tibet,the Army chief said India is also undertaking infrastructure development in its territory. “Infrastructure development is an ongoing process. Each country does it.”

Earlier,addressing the gathering,Singh asked ex-servicemen to remain apolitical as “Army is a disciplined force and should not be politicised”. “I see ex-servicemen associations are getting into politics. We should be apolitical… secular,” he said.

He further said that a pay commission cell had been set up for factoring in demands of ex-servicemen and army personnel.

“The members of the cell will visit army commands,ex-servicemen and know their requirements which will be factored in for the next pay commission,” he said.

“We are in the process of strengthening our Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) in order to provide best medical care to our ex-servicemen. Efforts are on for allocation of more funds and adding more staff for ECHS,” he said,adding “the millennium will be dedicated to ex-servicemen.”