THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, May 8 � Army Chief Gen V K Singh today said the force was operationally prepared to meet any contingency, days after he highlighted major �shortcomings� in the country�s defence preparedness, reports PTI.
On corruption in defence deals, he said it was important to ensure probity and transparency. Speaking about defence preparedness of the country, the Army Chief said, �With great confidence, I can say that operationally we are prepared to take on any contingency that can arise.�
Singh said defence preparedness was a large field that comprises training of troops, morale of the troops and the type of equipment and other things.
Gen Singh, who was the chief guest at the release of the Army-commissioned book on north eastern region �North East Trilogy�, said the area was now much more peaceful than it was five years ago.
Citing examples of different north eastern states, he said the Army was closely working with state governments to bring insurgents to negotiation with the government.
Asked about the �threat perception� posed by China to that region, he said, �China is our neighbour.�
Gen Singh said north eastern region of the country was as safe as any other part and the Army was working for the last couple of years to ensure that peace prevailed.
A lot of insurgent groups fighting against the state had come forward to have settlement with the governments.
In the case of Assam, groups like ULFA and NDFB were fighting. In Naglaland, insurgent groups had ceased their hostility with the government.
Manipur had a comparatively violent profile because of differences between two major groups. �We are working very hard to ensure that they also come to negotiate and settle with the state government�, he said.
