Ex-Army Chief JJ Singh for strengthening defence mechanism vigorously

AMRITSAR: Former Army Chief Gen J J Singh today said though a war with China is unlikely in the near future, India must keep modernising and strengthening its defence mechanism as a formidable deterrent.

"India must take up development of border areas and update its intelligence network to deal with neighbours including China and Pakistan," said Singh, also the Arunachal Pradesh Governor.

Interacting with media persons at the 107th annual Convocation of Khalsa College Amritsar, he said the present century belongs to Asia, and therefore, China and India must work together as most powerful nations of this continent.

"We have shared history of peaceful co-existence despite border tensions in 1960s. There are ample opportunities to resolve pending issues peacefully," said Singh.

"China and Pakistan must understand that patience of India is not its weakness and it is capable of defending its borders," he said.

During his convocation address, Singh stressed on modernisation of education and female literacy.