Jammu: India should put its security forces on alert in the wake of political developments in Pakistan, former army chief General J J Singh has said.

"Inspite of the fact that peace is prevailing on the borders, there is need for alert as any kind of development on the Line of Control cannot be ruled out," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function organised by Model Institute of Education and Research (MIER) here yesterday. General Singh, who is a product of MIER, said that years of ceasefire is a "success story" for both the countries but "any kind of development on the border cannot be ruled out".

However, he expressed hope for further improvement of relations between the two neighbouring countries. Asked about the turmoil in Pakistan, he said, "it is their internal problem". On human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir, General Singh said such incidents have reduced to a "great extent as compared to previous years" and the "situation is getting better".

The rate of casualties among civilians and security forces have reduced considerably in the militancy-hit state, he said, adding anti-militancy operations are being conducted with utmost precaution to ensure that civilian casualties and damage to property is minimum. To a question about relations with China, the former army chief said dialogue is going on between New Delhi and Beijing to resolve all issues and specific parameters for the same have been laid down.

Earlier, director of MIER Arun Gupta described General Singh as a "true son of the soil" and lauded his achievements. In his keynote address, the former army chief remembered his school days and credited his teachers for all his achievements. He also impressed upon the students the need to work hard and excel in the field of their choice.

Source : PTI