Singh enjoys confidence of govt,says Antony; Gen. says leak ‘high treason’

A visibly upset Antony took on questions on the issue and disclosed that the Intelligence Bureau (IB) has been asked to conduct an expeditious probe as “national security is at stake”.

While they have had their differences on a host of issues over the past few months,both Antony and Singh “agreed” that strong action should be taken over the leak. Antony went one step further to say that the “culprits” would be booked under the most stringent provisions of the law.

“I assure you that we will not leave it there (IB probe). We will make every possible attempt to find out the real culprits who have done this anti-national activity and they will be given the maximum punishment under the Indian Penal Code,” the minister said at a press interaction on the first day of the Defence Expo.

At the same time,he said the Army Chief still enjoys the full confidence of the government. “All the three Service Chiefs enjoy the confidence of the government. They are still working. Otherwise how can they continue,” he said.

Gen V K Singh,who is also under the scanner for his allegation that a retired officer tried to bribe him,came out strongly and said the “leak” is an attempt to tarnish his reputation. “This cynical approach to tarnish my reputation should stop. Sources of the leakage should be found and dealt with ruthlessly,” he said.

While Antony refrained from making any comments on his relationship with Singh,he made it clear that anyone found guilty of leaking the letter,no matter how senior,would be punished with the harshest sentence possible. “My first priority is to find who leaked the letter… don’t want to live in a fantasy,want to find the trust first,” he said.

The minister also took on questions about the preparedness of the armed forces,an issue which was raised in the Army Chief’s letter to the PM,holding that the strengthening of defence forces is a continuous process but the need to modernise has to be balanced with the desire to keep corruption at bay.

“Don’t blame us on both counts. There are complaints (of malpractice) which I have to enquire,but at the same time have to ensure that things are processed quickly… government is only one. I can’t ignore the complaints of corruption. I can’t throw them in basket,” he said.