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'Fighting option' also open: Indian Army Chief

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Agencies

Posted: Jan 14, 2009 at 1841 hrs IST
Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor

New Delhi Noting that Pakistan has moved troops towards border with India, Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor said New Delhi has kept all options open, including the ‘fighting option’ as a last resort.

Kapoor said tension between India and Pakistan were ‘larger’ in the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks, but said there was no need to create any hysteria.

"We expect Pakistan to move some troops from FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) to its eastern borders with India. They have come to eastern border of Pakistan with India," Kapoor told a press conference in New Delhi.

He said the Indian Army had already "factored this" into its planning and there was "no cause for concern" in India.

"There is a larger amount of tension after 26/11. Because we feel that the perpetrators of 26/11 came from Pakistan. In view of that, we in India are keeping all options open," he said.

Elaborating on the options, he said these were ‘diplomatic, economic, or as a last resort, a fighting option’.

Kapoor said, there was ‘no need to create any kind of hysteria’.

On the use of military option as a last resort, Gen Kapoor said the decision was dependent on the political leadership when they felt that all other options, including international opinion, were exhausted.

"Our political leadership has said war is not an option. But all options are open. The situation remains at that stage," he said to a query.

Regarding reports of some strike formations of the Indian Army moving towards the western borders, Kapoor said some of the formations were currently carrying out exercise in both the Mahajan ranges and Pokhran ranges and that the information had already been shared with the neighbouring country.

"It is part of an understanding that practice training be intimated. There has been some amount of clearing up of bunkers, which need to be maintained regularly. It need not become a cause for a war frenzy," the Army Chief said.

On the threat of nuclear arsenal from Pakistan falling into terrorists' hands, Kapoor said: "I wish it doesn't happen."

But, he said, if there was a degree of stability in Pakistan, this threat would not become a reality. "Nuclear weapon in the wrong hands is a cause for worry for the entire globe," he added.

Asked if India, having helped Afghanistan to rebuild infrastructure, should get a strategic presence there to squeeze Pakistan, the General said it was for the political leaders to take a policy decision on the matter.

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Army Chief's Press Conf by Dileep K Sen on 14 Jan 2009

The Chief has spoken as a soldier should. The problem is that the political leadership are scared. The very thought of a war turns their guts and they will be amenable to put up with anything that our sworn enemy , Pakistan throws at them. And, our civilian populace are not far behind , as is evident from the messages I have read. We are a cowardly nation - past history has proved it. The only saving grace is our fightig Services, but what can they do? They are hamstrung by a leadership that has never heard a shot fired in anger and is petrified at the thought of active hostilities affecting them and their airconditioned offices directly. Pak will get away again , as they always have(and they know it!).

Rehman Buk Buk - who does you know. by Abdulla Rahim on 14 Jan 2009

Rehman, you are a buk buk man, so also your leaders in Pak - Pakka JOOTI. Dont compare Pakistan in front of India.

Gen. Kapoor's talk by Dawood Sirhind on 14 Jan 2009

Why does he just not shut up and go around keeping his men's morale high?

Please keep quiet. by B.K.Bardole on 14 Jan 2009

Please, all these honourable highly placed officers

Pak nuclear bomb are not for playing by Rehman on 14 Jan 2009

Pak nuclear bomb are not for playing.Get a step into PAk territory then see the consequences.Stop your game in Afghanistan and solve the kashmir issue.

SOME THOUGHT by s thulasidharan on 14 Jan 2009

The option to cripple them Economically should be implemented with full force and then resort to the military option which will yield a stunning blow to them. Threatening to retaliate with nuclear bombs is not realistic as they are very much aware of the result of the repulsive action by Indians and the remains of Pakistan as a country on the globe AFTER THE INDIAN RETALIATORY NUCLEAR ATTACK.

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