This was stated by Gen Oberoi in his paper presented today in the seminar on human rights and human rights education with reference to Indian army and human rights organised in the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies.

He suggested that the nation and the policy-makers should show more concern for the welfare of a soldier who fights terrorism and insurgency in difficult and unfriendly environment and is ready to make the supreme sacrifice for the sake of the country.

Gen Oberoi said there was also the need to understand the constraints under which the Indian Army was operating, particularly when viewed against the backdrop of the human rights obligations and the unusual circumstances and the hostile terrain in which soldiers have to operate. He pointed out that the soldiers were fighting an ``undeclared war and had to deal with terrorists and mercenaries who followed no code of conduct or have any moral principals.''

The GOC said the Army had done a commendable job in safeguarding human rights and displayed remarkable restraint and caution while dealing with anti-national elements notwithstanding the difficult and inhospitable conditions they have to work under. Considering the fact that the Army was a large organisation, the General said, a few aberration in this regard could not be ruled out. However, in all such cases, strict and prompt disciplinary action had been taken against the defaulters.

Gen Oberoi said the Army was undertaking numerous welfare schemes for the benefit of the local population in remote areas where the civil administration was almost non-existent. He asked the media should highlight these aspects of the Army to establish its credibility and genuine concern for the humanity.

He pointed out that the Army had inherent strength to cope with such allegations and has always maintained the highest level of discipline. Army is apolotical and not aligned to any ideology or party and when employed to aid the civil authorities, it has always acted within the confines of law.

The General also referred to a comprehensive list of do's and don'ts laid down for the Army personnel which is designed to serve as a guide under these conditions.

Gen Oberoi said leadership in Indian Army today was intellectually alert to all aspects of human rights and the adverse effect it could have if they were violated while conducting insurgency operations.

The nation, he pointed out, still had great faith in Army, when all other institutions were viewed as inefficient and corrupt. He added that the Army takes all precautions to ensure that troops do not commit mistakes which sully the image of the Army.