Army chief warns Pak: Humne bhi churian nahin pehni hain

Ceasefire violations Gen Singh says Indian army responds tactically to Pakistani aggression.

Army chief General Bikram Singh Saturday said the Indian Army was giving a "befitting" reply to any ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops on the Line of Control (LoC) adding that such response is taken care of at tactically.

"If they (Pakistan troops) violate ceasefire, humne bhi churian nahin pehni hain (we are not wearing bangles). Our men also fire. This work is done at the tactical level and it is happening," he said, adding, "This (reacting to ceasefire violations) is seen at the lower level and not decided at the Army Chief's level."

The Army had conveyed its concern to the Centre on ceasefire violations, the beheading of an Indian soldier and the brutal killing of another soldier by Pakistani troops in January.

"At that time, we showed our concern...We have shown our emotions (to the Centre)," the Army Chief, who was here to attend the War Decorated India Triennial National Convention cum Reunion, said.

He, however, declined to comment on the visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf to India against the backdrop of unease over the killing of two Indian soldiers by the Pakistan Army.

"It (visit of Pakistan PM) is a political decision... let's not make an issue out of it. Let the government take the decision," Singh said.

Asked about China strengthening road infrastructure near Tibet, the Army chief said India is also undertaking infrastructure development in its territory. "Infrastructure development is an ongoing process. Each country does it."

Earlier, addressing the gathering, Singh asked ex-servicemen to remain apolitical as "Army is a disciplined force and should not be politicised". "I see ex-servicemen associations are getting into politics. We should be apolitical... secular," he said.

He further said that a pay commission cell had been set up for factoring in demands of ex-servicemen and army personnel.

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