Tuesday, May 10 2005 08:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jalandhar: Despite the Government putting on hold South African company Denel's wheeled artillery deal, Army Chief Gen J J Singh yesterday (May 9, 2005) said this would not affect the ongoing moves for modernisation of the artillery.

"I don't think the moves to expand and upgrade the artillery under the modernisation programme would be affected by any controversy," Singh told reporters in Jalandhar.

He said the Government was aware of the need to acquire and standardise artillery to 155 mm calibre and "Government is very responsible and we are sure we will get the funds for our artillery upgradation."

The Army Chief's comments come in the wake of recent moves by the Defence Ministry to put on hold old deals involving the South African State-owned company after media reports that it was allegedly involved in payoffs in a deal, which will supply anti-material rifles to the Indian Army.

Denel was also one of the front-runners for bagging Indian contract for mounting 155mm turrets on Arjun tank chasis.

On infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir the Army Chief who was talking to newsmen during the exercise 'Operation Vajara Shakti' said that levels were down to minimal.

Singh said, he saw a sea change in the situation in the State particularly in the attitude of the local people. He said, the Army was receiving more information from the locals and this was enabling it to home on to hardcore terrorists without any major collateral damage.