Date:03/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/03/stories/2009010360371000.htm

National

“India not escalating tensions”

Special Correspondent

There is no unusual troop movement on the borders, says Antony

A.K. Antony

NEW DELHI: Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Friday said India did not escalate tensions and there was “no unusual troop movement” on the borders. The defence exercises being conducted were normal. After the attacks in Mumbai, it was natural for the country to prepare for “all eventualities.”

The Minister was speaking on the sidelines of a function to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Sainik Samachar, official journal of the armed forces.

“After 26/11, nobody will [have to] tell us. We must be prepared to meet all eventualities, but these [steps] are not escalation and nobody is making any provocation … we have to meet any challenge, threats from any quarters,” he said. Islamabad, he asserted, should act against terror groups.

The Cabinet Committee on Security would soon meet to clear the proposal to have a Coastal Command.

Earlier, releasing a coffee-table book, ‘Soldiering On’, to commemorate the centenary of Sainik Samachar, Mr. Antony urged the media to be a “little careful” while reporting incidents such as the Mumbai terror strikes and to cover events without endangering national security.

“Security forces must be allowed to work, without any pressure ... Media has to be a little careful.”

The Minister asked the journal to be more reflective of the hopes and aspirations of jawans. The fortnightly should also maintain its website in all languages recognised by the Constitution and constantly update its contents.

Marshal Arjan Singh narrated his association with the journal since 1940, when he joined the Air Force as pilot officer. Walking ramrod straight, Marshal Arjan Singh, who turns 90 this April, said he continued to get information about happenings in the defence forces through this publication.

The Chief of the Army Staff, General Deepak Kapoor; the Chief of the Air Staff, Fali Homi Major; the Vice-Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral R.P. Suthan; and Defence Secretary Vijay Singh were present.