He was talking to mediapersons at a two-day ‘Army Weapon and Equipment Display’, inaugurated by him as part of the Army Day celebrations. Replying to a query whether forces have been moved to crucial positions on the Indo-Pak border, the GOC said there was no such move. He said forces were suitably located on the border, and routine activities were being undertaken. “There is no war threat, and no war hysteria should be created,” he said.

“Though Pak Rangers are a little active in their movements, our surveillance is proper, and we are prepared to respond to any activity,” he added.

Replying to a question about the threat of confidential information being hacked by Pakistanis, he said specific security systems were in place to make such attempts futile.

Asked about the Taliban’s statement of supporting the Pak if a war takes place, Lt Gen Tonk said the Army was competent to face any war threat.

About the shortage of nearly 10,000 to 12,000 officers in the Army, he said youth were being made aware about the career in defence forces, and officers were visiting educational institutes to motivate them.

He added that the media could play an active role in motivating youths.

On being asked whether the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission would discourage the youth from joining the army, he said many demands of the armed personnel had been addressed.

Lt Gen Tonk said when jobs were insecure in the outer markets, young people here would get encouraged to join the Army.

The weapon display attracted the youth from schools and colleges, who visited the exhibition in large numbers.

The major attractions were hot-air ballooning, along with a wide-ranging display of tanks, guns, missiles, and the latest weapons and equipment.