‘Full support for healing touch’: Vij

Some positions held during Operation Parakram would continue to be occupied to keep up the vigil. He made it clear that operations against militants would continue. On top of his agenda is the consolidation of the ‘‘gains from Operation Parakram’’ that was discussed threadbare with his predecessor Gen S Padmanabhan who retired yesterday.

He said the army’s modernisation drive, which had gained impetus during the 10-month mobilisation, would be sustained.

Considered a sharp military operations strategist — he was awarded the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal for his role as the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) during the Kargil war — Vij is also expected to take a close look at the newly set up Integrated Defence Service Headquarters, the initial five-year mandate of which ends with his retirement in February 2005.

Vij will also be steering the army through another crucial stage as the government makes a formal announcement on the Strategic Forces Command, expected this month. While the first appointment goes to the Air Force, the army will have a key role to play in the command.

To a query on the inter-services rivalry, Vij insisted that synergy was the buzzword between the three services.

He refused to comment on Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s threat on use of nukes, saying Musharraf had stated a few months ago that ‘‘only a mad person’’ would resort to the use of nuclear weapons.

Vij is also keen on pushing through the Rs 16,000-crore housing plan for the armed forces announced by the PM.