The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony today asked the Army to be ever vigilant and keep a watchful eye on the smallest developments in and around our neighbourhood. Addressing the officers and jawans at a Sainik Sammelan at the 3 Corps HQ at Ranga Pahar, Nagaland, Shri Antony said though maintaining peace and tranquility along the border is crucial, we have to ensure that our operational preparedness is of the highest level.
The Chief of the Army Staff, Gen VK Singh, Defence Secretary Shri Pradeep Kumar, Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen Bikram Singh and the GOC 3 Corps Lt Gen NK Singh were present on the occasion.
Shri Antony also asked the military personnel to establish a healthy relationship with the local populace, win the hearts and minds and to project the Army in a positive light.
Describing honesty and loyalty as the basic traits of a Soldier, the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony conceded that some recent instances of corruption in high places in the Army have brought harm to its credibility and image. He urged the Army personnel to ensure that the sense of pride and dignity of the Army is maintained at all times.
“ I want to emphasise one issue for each one of you. A soldier is the pride of the nation. Honesty and loyalty are the basic traits of a soldier. Some recent instances of corruption in high places in the Army have brought some harm to its credibility and image. All of you must perform duties with sincerity and ensure that the sense of pride and dignity of the Army is maintained at all times. We will take very strict action whenever any case of corruption comes, or is brought to our natice”.
The Defence Minister, who is on a two-day visit to the North East, mingled freely with the jawans and enquired about their difficulties. He agreed with the suggestion given by a number of Jawans for the issue of a pair of boots every 12 months instead of the issue of the same under current provision of 26 months and asked the MoD officials to bring about this change. The jawans expressed happiness over the improved supply of ration. They also requested Shri Antony for chartered air service to Delhi.
Earlier, on arrival at the 3 Corps HQ, Shri Antony reviewed the security situation at the border and the progress made in the development of infrastructure in the North East region, with senior Army and MoD officials.
Sitanshu Kar
(Release ID :69907)
Indian Press Information Bureau
