New Delhi: India’s response to any aggression from Pakistan will be “more than adequate”, newly appointed Indian Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag said yesterday.
He warned Pakistan that India’s response to any beheading-like incident in the future would be “intense and immediate”.
“I can tell you that our response to any such act will be more than adequate in future. It will be intense and immediate,” he said in response to a question.
The comments come a day after outgoing army chief General Bikram Singh said the army gave a befitting reply to Pakistan after an Indian soldier was beheaded along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
On January 8, 2013, Pakistani soldiers entered Indian territory in Krishna Ghati sector of the border and killed two Indian soldiers. Indian officials said both bodies were mutilated, and one decapitated.
Two other soldiers were injured in the incident that triggered nationwide fury.
Gen. Suhag, who on Thursday took over as the new chief of the 1.3 million-strong army, also said his focus will be on his soldiers and “to enhance the preparedness and the effectiveness of the army”.
“I will ensure that our soldiers are motivated, they are comfortable, competently trained and are provided with latest weapons and equipment,” he said.
Gen. Suhag also expressed gratitude to the government “for reposing faith” in him.
The decision to appoint Gen. Suhag was taken by the previous United Progressive Alliance government during the April-May general elections, and days before it demitted office.
The Bharatiya Janata Party, at that time, objected to the decision. However, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley after assuming charge said there “shall be no controversy” over Gen. Suhag’s appointment.
IANS
