Age issue matter of my honour,Army image safe: Army chief

“The issue has always been,I am emphasising it,the issue has always been that of integrity and honour,” General Singh said at a press conference here when asked about the row over his date of birth.

General Singh has two sets of dates in official records — May 10,1950 and May 10,1951.

He has contended that May 10,1951 should be treated as his actual date of birth as is mentioned in his matriculation certificate but the Defence Ministry has accepted May 10,1950,which is on his UPSC entrance form.

By the government’s decision,he will retire on May 31 this year.

“The issue is that of integrity and honour,right from the time it came to the forefront… This issue has always been tackled by me in organisational interest,” General Singh said,adding the matter had impact only on his family and not the Army.

To press his point,he said,”Some of you (journalists) who are in possession of papers,letters,top secret files,are aware of what I have written from time to time (on the issue)”.

Decrying the “spins” given to the age issue in the media,the Army chief told the press conference,”I will again allude to letters and papers available with you (journalists). I,for one,or each of you will find it reprehensible when awkward spins are alluded to this issue.”

General Singh said he did not want to go into media speculation on who is ratcheting up the controversy.

Asked whether the media was affecting the image of the Army,he replied,”It is a matter again on the spin you want to give. If you look at the facts straight and forward,I don’t think it is affecting the image of the Army.”

On whether this issue was impacting his decisions related to the functioning of the Army,he said it may be having an effect on his family “within four walls” but not on his official work. “I work for the organisation. I do not work for myself.”