8 ex-Army chiefs reject Gen VK Singh’s allegations, say Army is apolitical

mangaloretoday.com

New Delhi, Sept 27: Days after General VK Singh created a controversy by alleging that the Army pays ministers in Jammu and Kashmir, eight former Army Chiefs have come together to reject his allegations.

"No funds were ever provided by the Army, to any politicians, political party or any NGO in their tenures and nor would they have allowed that. This aspect should not be mixed with ’Sadhbhavna’ operations, which laid down deliverables and procedures, allotted in the defence budget. Indian Army is completely apolitical." they said in a joint statement.

 

The Central government had on Wednesday lashed out at Gen VK Singh over his allegation that the Army pays ministers in Jammu and Kashmir. According to sources, the government is considering a probe into his claims.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also had on Wednesday breaking his silence on the issue, said Gen Singh’s remarks have dealt a blow on the credibility of his government. The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister had said that the state government has taken up this issue with the Centre. Reacting for the first time over Gen Singh’s remarks, Omar had said accusations cannot be brushed aside, they require investigation.

General Singh in an interview to CNN-IBN on Monday had said money is essential to stabilise the youth in the terror struck area and to get them engaged in useful acts and it was given by the Army for this purpose.

The admission by the combative former Army Chief General about the Army having given money to J&K politicians, however, kicked off a furore with politicians from various parties demanding answers from the general.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has so far defended the General also sounded its disapproval against his claims. "After these disclosures have been made, its India that comes out to be weaker. There could be a campaign against VK Singh but its a secondary issue. Bigger worry is national security," Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley had said.

Reacting to the admission by the General, the Union Home Ministry said that have not heard officially either from the J&K government or VK Singh. "We will take action if general gives us details of who was paid," Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said.