Intelligence failure behind increasing infiltrations: V.K. Singh

Former army chief V.K. Singh speaking here Thursday hinted at intelligence failure behind the increasing instances of infiltration from the Pakistan side of the border and the rise in militant activities.

Participating in a panel discussion on "Governance Issues" jointly organised by Forum for Integrity in Governance, Chennai, the Anti-Corruption Movement, Chennai, and the Loyola College, Chennai, here V.K. Singh reiterated that the army funds were not misused in Jammu and Kashmir.

V.K. Singh, whose recent comments on use of army money to fund political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir led to controversy, said the funds were used for developmental activities.

Responding to a question from a participant on the infiltration on the Kashmir border, V.K. Singh said it is for the government to answer the issue and added the army should be allowed to do its job.

He also hinted at intelligence failure as a reason for the increasing incidents of infiltration and rise in militant activities in the border districts of strife-torn Jammu and Kashmir.

The former General denied the army was politicised and stressed that as an institution it is apolitical.

Asked about his sharing the dais in Haryana with Bharatiya Janata Party prime ministerial candidate and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, the former army chief said it was not a political meeting.

He said it was a meeting to support ex-servicemen and Modi did not talk politics.