Author: ET Bureau
Publication: The Economic Times
Date: January 15, 2013
URL: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/we-will-retaliate-army-chief-general-bikram-singh/articleshow/18025817.cms

India increased pressure on Pakistan with Army chief General Bikram Singh saying that the forces will retaliate "at a place and time of our choosing" if the hostile neighbour refuses to mend fences.

 In the toughest language in the stand-off with Pakistan following the brutal killing of two soldiers, General Singh made it plain that the Army will not put up with provocative acts on the border. "I have given very categorical directions to the Northern Command. When we are provoked, we shall respond immediately. I expect my commanders to be aggressive in the face of firing. We will retaliate to Pakistan's attack at a place and time of our choosing," General Singh said.

 The General also charged Pakistan with planning the attack. "The attack on January 8 was premeditated and planned activity. Such an operation requires planning, detailed reconnaissance." He did not rule out the support of jehadi outfits for the Pakistan military's action. Addressing a press conference here on the eve of Army Day, Singh said that the Indian Army would uphold the ceasefire as long as it is maintained. "We will uphold the ceasefire as long as it is maintained."

 Border tensions between India and Pakistan have risen sharply since January 8, when Pakistani soldiers killed and mutilated two Indian soldiers in the Mendhar sector in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The soldiers were identified as Lance Naik Sudhakar Singh and Lance Naik Hemraj of the Rajputana Rifles.

 "Commanders on LoC are doing a great job. I expect my commanders on LoC to be aggressive. They must understand that the Army hierarchy is behind them." At the same time, he said there were some tactical errors on part of the local unit which will be looked into later as an inquiry at the moment will affect the morale of the forces. "Our teams should be balanced to take on the onslaught of the enemy," the Army chief said.

 Putting the onus of maintaining the ceasefire on Pakistan, the Army chief said that India would uphold it as long as the adversary does. Singh discounted the possibility of the skirmish leading to a full-fledged war and was dismissive of Pakistan's nuclear blackmail, saying it had no relation to the local conflict. "Indicators do not show upping the ante," he said.

 On any response to the Pakistani action, he said it has to be the decision of the government. The Army chief said he shared the grief of slain soldier Hemraj Singh's widow.

 "I am sorry (for all her pains and sorrows). She is a part of the Army family... she will be provided with all entitlements," he said. Regretting the beheading incident, he said the Indian Army would have never indulged in such type of acts.

 "We give respect to enemies' bodies. This is our value and you have seen this during Kargil war," he said.