Terrorists should be dealt with iron fist: Ex-Army chief

In the backdrop of unrest in Kashmir, former Army chief Gen (retd) J J Singh today said there "cannot be nuances" in dealing with terrorists and "iron fist" policy should be used for them.
"We shouldn't carry nuances, a man who carries a weapon to a hilt, is a terrorist. And he will be killed. We need to follow the 'iron-fist' policy for the terrorists, and 'velvet glove' approach while dealing with innocent civilians," he said.
He was speaking at a seminar organised by thinktank Global Counter Terrorism Council here which was also attended by other defence and foreign policy experts.

Gen Singh was responding to the debate raised in a few quarters in the wake of the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander Burhan Wani, nearly a month ago.
Normal life remained paralysed in the Valley for the 29th consecutive day as clashes broke out between protesters and security forces in Anantnag and Shopian districts of south Kashmir even as curfew continued in many parts.
Former Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Philip Campose said, "Indian Army has been considerate in counter-terrorism operations, right from the nature of weapons to our care for innocent civilians."
Geo-political analyst M D Nalapat said, "Our response to acts of terrorism is in very small silos. We have a very narrow band of consultation. Whether it's Kashmir or Assam, we are repeating the same old policies with no results.