Islamabad takes offence at Army chief V K Singh's remarks

NEW DELHI: Islamabad has termed as “jingoistic”, “irresponsible” and “unwise” army chief General V K Singh’s remarks describing Pakistan as a major irritant for India’s security.

“The Government of Pakistan takes a serious exception to the reported statement of the Indian Army chief about his threat perception from Pakistan, war under a nuclear scenario and uncalled for and gratuitous comments on the internal affairs of Pakistan,” news agencies on Sunday quoted Pakistan’s foreign office spokesman Abdul Basit as saying in Islamabad.

General Singh, while addressing a seminar here on emerging roles and tasks of the Indian Army two days ago, had said that Pakistan’s internal turmoil was a cause of serious concern and the growing military might of China had direct ramifications for India.

Mr Basit’s statement said the “repetitive mentions by Indian Army’s high command about war under the nuclear scenario is not only irresponsible but also jingoistic and unwise.” General Singh, while ruling out conventional war with China or Pakistan, had said there were always chances of ‘skirmishes’ and should be prepared with substantial war fighting capabilities in a nuclear scenario as both neighbours had an active atomic programme.

“Such statements and grandstanding by India are evidently unhelpful to the cause of promoting peace, security and stability in south Asia,” Mr Basit said. He claimed that Pakistan remained committed to a “purposeful and result-oriented dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.”

General Singh had said that India has “something to worry” about till terrorist infrastructure was intact in Pakistan and that the problem of governance in the country and support for terror groups could have a fall-out on India. He also mentioned a “rising China” both economically and militarily and said although CBMs were in place, there was a border dispute.