'Army prepared to face all challenges to national security'

Bikram Singh says Army's operational preparedness is at the highest level in view of various challenges

Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh today asserted that the Indian Army is prepared to face all challenges to national security and foil the designs of the enemy against the backdrop of nationwide anger over the beheading of a soldier by Pakistani troops on the LoC.

Addressing the 65th Army Day parade here, the Army Chief also flagged the issue of human rights saying Indian Army's record is the best in the world as far as human rights is concerned.

Noting that the Indian Army personnel work in tough terrain like Siachen, Singh said they discharge their duties in those areas while "following the principles of war and human rights".

Singh said the Indian Army has kept its operational preparedness at the highest level in view of various challenges.

"I want to assure the nation that Indian Army is prepared to face all challenges to national security....Every solider of the Indian Army is ready to face any challenge and we are ready to make any sacrifice for the security of the nation...Indian Army is always prepared for securing boundaries of the nation and foil the designs of the enemy...It deals with all challenges in a professional manner," the Army chief said in his speech in which he also touched upon issues like modernisation of forces and their parity with civil administration.

Talking tough over the killing of two Indian jawans by Pakistan Army on January 8 in Mendhar area of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army Chief had yesterday warned Pakistan that India reserves the right to retaliate at the "time and place" of its choosing.

While talking about the modernisation plan of the Army including the induction of attack helicopters and other equipments in the force, Singh said at the parade, "We understand the importance of human mind working behind the machine".

The Army chief expressed confidence that the Army, the Airforce, the Navy, central paramilitary forces and the police will together provide a strong safety shield to the country.

He also talked about plans for construction of rehabilitation homes and one old age home in each command area for the welfare of the Army personnel.