Ball in Pak court now: New Army chief

Chief of Army Staff-designate Lieutenant General J.J. Singh today said confidence-building measures (CBM) — such as reduction in troop...

Chief of Army Staff-designate Lieutenant General J.J. Singh today said confidence-building measures (CBM) — such as reduction in troops in Jammu and Kashmir — were a step in the right direction, and if Pakistan was not serious, then ‘‘we need to keep our options clearly defined”.

Talking to mediapersons at the Western Command Headquarters in Chandimandir, he said a number of CBMs, including political, military and cultural, were being initiated by the government and it was time for Pakistan to respond positively. Singh said Pakistan should respond positively and match its words with action and take the peace process forward.

Singh said he would visit Kashmir after taking over as Chief of Army Staff and review the situation, including the impact in the Valley after the troop reduction.

Story continues below this ad

‘‘I will interact with the people in Kashmir. The situation after the troop reduction would be reviewed after two to three months,” said Lt Gen J.J. Singh, who has also served as a Brigade Commander in the Valley in 1991-92.

To a question whether surrendered militants would be commissioned in the Army, Singh said he was open to the idea. ‘‘They are also our citizens even though they are misguided youth. If they are reformed, there is no problem and it’s our job to bring them back into the mainstream,” said the Lt General.

On the issue of early retirement in the Army, Singh said the Army would look at employment opportunities that could be provided to soldiers and other officials who have short tenures. Singh said the Army was being modernised and getting new equipment and weapon systems was a priority.

Lt Gen Singh, who is presently the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Command, will take over as Chief of the Indian Army on February 1, 2005.

Canada, UK and Australia formally recognise a Palestinian state

World4 hr ago

The UK, Canada, and Australia have recognized Palestine as a state, going against the US and Israel's opposition. British PM Starmer aims to revive peace without Hamas and hostage release. Canada and Australia also recognize Palestine, condemning terrorism. Over 145 UN members recognize Palestine, with France likely to join soon.

View all shorts

Live Blog