Saturday, February 5 2005 22:06 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jammu: Asserting that there will be no let up in counter terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir, the newly appointed Army Chief General J J Singh today (Feb 5, 2005) said Army will deal sternly with those who indulge in the cult of gun and destroy their bases.

"We have no soft corner for those who are indulging in terror activities and will destroy their bases," Singh, on his maiden visit to Jammu and Kashmir after taking over as Army Chief, told a press conference in Jammu this evening.

"How can we be soft to those who indulge in the cult of gun," he said adding, however, "Army has to keep in mind its professional conduct of dealing with the situation with a human face and win over the people".

Terrorists are like a fish and people are like water and we have to do a fine-tuning of isolating the fish from the water by adopting a proper approach, he said.

On his priorities as the Army Chief, he said he would keep the forces ready operationally to face any external threat.

In reply to a query whether the process of de-induction of troops would continue in the State, General Singh said, We will watch the situation till winter is over and snow melts. The process would be reviewed and, if necessary, de-induction of troops would be carried out further.

On the question of recent violation of ceasefire by Pakistan, Singh said, "There are several aspects of Confidence Building Measures going on at political, social, economic and military levels between India and Pakistan. "Military CBM between two countries is at DGMOs level to sort out the problems and we do not feel to react to one or two such isolated incidents".

On questions of situation at Siachen glacier and infiltration from across the border, Singh said there was complete peace at Siachen - the highest battlefield in the world and the de-induction there would be considered after discussions with the neighbouring country.

Since composite dialogue is going on between the two countries, we should give chance to peace and normalcy, he said, adding we want peace so that our neighbouring country also moves forward towards progress.

General Singh said besides fencing along the borders in Jammu and Kashmir, a number of measures including deployment of censors have been taken to control infiltration. After the winter is over, we will take more measures if necessary, he said.

Further elaborating on the issue of human face of Army, Singh said he was aware that people have been saying that they were sandwiched between Army's and terrorist's gun. But, he said, that Army's gun is for security and protection of the people while, as other gun has no responsibility.

People have to raise their voice against that gun, which has no responsibility or accountability and we are there to protect the people, he said.

Singh said training of personnel and modernisation of forces are also his priority for which the Government has assured adequate funds.