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INTERVIEW |
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As the Terror Infrastructure in Pakistan Remains Intact, Infiltration Attempts
Continue and the Terrorist Threat Remains a Reality’
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Chief of Army Staff, General V.K. Singh PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC |
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What are the challenges facing the army?
The changing nature of conflict itself poses a major challenge. Technology,
globalisation and ‘war by other means’, is rapidly transforming the theory and
practice of war. Conventional conflict is increasingly yielding to limited,
irregular and hybrid forms of conflict. Our army is well aware of this
challenging transition.
In view of this, the army needs to be prepared to fight a conventional war,
while continuing to guard our multi-front borders, countering proxy war and
fighting insurgencies. At the same time, we have to fulfil our commitments to UN
Peace Keeping, contribute to regional security as also undertake humanitarian
assistance and disaster management. Adapting the army to meet such varied
challenges of the future requires modernisation, infusion of technology and the
development of human resources.
How do you assess the operational situation in Jammu and Kashmir? Is
there a case for further reduction of troops from the theatre, if not, why?
The overall situation in J&K, militarily, is firmly under control and all
parameters of terrorism are low till now. The quantum of security forces
deployed in the state of J&K is constantly reviewed, based on our assessment of
situation. Any decision to reduce the deployment of forces depends mainly on
comprehensive assessment of the prevailing situation and its impact on the
overall security situation. As the terror infrastructure in Pakistan remains
intact, infiltration attempts continue and the terrorist threat remains a
reality. Thus, we ensure dynamism in our deployments.
What is the status of the Rashtriya Rifles? Is it still a temporary
Paramilitary Force?
Rashtriya Rifles was conceived in 1990 with only one Sector headquarters and six
Rashtriya Rifles Battalions to begin with. Subsequently, the force has expanded
to five Counter Insurgency Force Headquarters, having 15 Sector Headquarters and
60+ battalions. The entire wherewithal for fighting insurgency in terms of
manpower, equipment and funding of Rashtriya Rifles is being provided by the
army.
The basic purpose of raising Rashtriya Rifles was to release regular army units
from counter insurgency role. The force was originally designed to be a Para
Military Force with 75 per cent of its manpower being drawn from the ranks of
ex-servicemen/lateral inductees and the balance 25 per cent being on deputation
from the army. However, the ex-servicemen did not come forth to join Rashtriya
Rifles as envisaged, which resulted in the force being manned fully by regular
army personnel. This manpower pattern continues to date and the force functions
under the operational and administrative control of army.
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MAY 2012
Issue
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