The Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the border with Pakistan, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-change-on-the-ground-under-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-army-chief-bipin-rawat-189394">Army chief General Bipin Rawat</a> said on Tuesday.

The country along India's western border is providing support to terror groups and the Indian Army is dealing with them effectively, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cant-allow-gay-sex-to-perpetrate-into-the-army-general-bipin-rawat-189374">General Rawat</a> said in an obvious reference to Pakistan.&nbsp;

"We are ensuring moral dominance along border in Jammu and Kashmir," he said while addressing Army personnel on the occasion of Army Day in Delhi.&nbsp;

The Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the western border, Gen Rawat said.

He said new guidelines are being followed to maintain peace and tranquillity along the border in the eastern sector.

"We will keep reviewing the situation along the eastern border," he said, referring to the border with China.

"Our soldiers will not allow any compromise in guarding the border in the eastern sector," he said.&nbsp;

The Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the border with Pakistan, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said on Tuesday.

The Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the border with Pakistan, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said on Tuesday. The country along India's western border is providing support to terror groups and the Indian Army is dealing with them effectively, General Rawat said in an obvious reference to Pakistan. "We are ensuring moral dominance along border in Jammu and Kashmir," he said while addressing Army personnel on the occasion of Army Day in Delhi. The Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the western border, Gen Rawat said. He said new guidelines are being followed to maintain peace and tranquillity along the border in the eastern sector. "We will keep reviewing the situation along the eastern border," he said, referring to the border with China. "Our soldiers will not allow any compromise in guarding the border in the eastern sector," he said.

Army will not hesitate to take strong action against terror activities along Pak border: General Bipin Rawat

The Army has managed the situation well along the borders with China and Pakistan and there should be no cause for concern, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat said Thursday.

Speaking at his annual <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorism-becoming-new-form-of-warfare-says-army-chief-bipin-rawat-189157">press conference</a>, Rawat also said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir needs to be improved further.

"We are only facilitators for peace in J&amp;K," he said.

"We have managed the situation well along the northern and western borders and there no cause of concern on the western and northern border," Gen Rawat said.

He also said that it was not possible to take decisions on 100 per cent consensus and that the Army has helped to improve the situations in northeastern states.

The Army has managed the situation well along the borders with China and Pakistan and there should be no cause for concern, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat said Thursday.

The Army has managed the situation well along the borders with China and Pakistan and there should be no cause for concern, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat said Thursday. Speaking at his annual press conference, Rawat also said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir needs to be improved further. "We are only facilitators for peace in J&K," he said. "We have managed the situation well along the northern and western borders and there no cause of concern on the western and northern border," Gen Rawat said. He also said that it was not possible to take decisions on 100 per cent consensus and that the Army has helped to improve the situations in northeastern states.

Army has managed situation well along China, Pakistan borders: Bipin Rawat

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-change-on-the-ground-under-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-army-chief-bipin-rawat-189394">No change on the ground under Pakistan PM Imran Khan: Army Chief Bipin Rawat</a>

He assured that the army has managed the situation both at the western and northern border and there is "no cause for concern."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/referendum-not-a-good-way-to-decide-on-brexit-spain-foreign-minister-to-wion-189392">Referendum not a good way to decide on Brexit: Spain foreign minister to WION</a>

In an exclusive interview to WION, Spain's foreign minister Josep Borrell said that India is a remarkable example of unity in diversity and that it has an important role to play together with the western democracies in combating terrorism.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/seek-assurance-from-india-on-currency-notes-of-higher-denomination-nepal-foreign-minister-to-wion-189396">Seek assurance from India on currency notes of higher denomination: Nepal foreign minister to WION</a>

Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali, who is in India, spoke to WION's Siddhant Sibal on the ban on Indian currency notes and a host of other issues. He also called for reactivation of the Southeast Association of Regional Cooperation or Saarc.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/no-indian-content-to-be-aired-in-the-country-as-it-damages-our-culture-says-pak-chief-justice-189398">No Indian content to be aired in the country as it 'damages our culture', says Pak Chief Justice</a>

The Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar has said that the country's Supreme Court will not allow Indian shows to be aired on Pakistani TV channels. The court has stated that the shows damage the country's culture.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ranveer-singh-vicky-kaushal-alia-bhatt-and-others-feature-in-selfie-of-the-year-with-pm-modi-189416">Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt and others feature in selfie of the year with PM Modi</a>

The meeting was facilitated by Karan Johar and had leading Bollywood stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Ayushmann Khurrana, Alia Bhatt, Bhumi Pednekar, Varun Dhawan and Siddharth Malhotra in attendance. Ekta Kapoor, directors Rohit Shetty and Ashwini Iyer Tiwari were also part of the delegation.

No change on the ground under Pakistan PM Imran Khan: Army Chief Bipin Rawat He assured that the army has managed the situation both at the western and northern border and there is "no cause for concern.

No change on the ground under Pakistan PM Imran Khan: Army Chief Bipin Rawat He assured that the army has managed the situation both at the western and northern border and there is "no cause for concern." Referendum not a good way to decide on Brexit: Spain foreign minister to WION In an exclusive interview to WION, Spain's foreign minister Josep Borrell said that India is a remarkable example of unity in diversity and that it has an important role to play together with the western democracies in combating terrorism. Seek assurance from India on currency notes of higher denomination: Nepal foreign minister to WION Nepal's Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali, who is in India, spoke to WION's Siddhant Sibal on the ban on Indian currency notes and a host of other issues. He also called for reactivation of the Southeast Association of Regional Cooperation or Saarc. No Indian content to be aired in the country as it 'damages our culture', says Pak Chief Justice The Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar has said that the country's Supreme Court will not allow Indian shows to be aired on Pakistani TV channels. The court has stated that the shows damage the country's culture. Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt and others feature in selfie of the year with PM Modi The meeting was facilitated by Karan Johar and had leading Bollywood stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Ayushmann Khurrana, Alia Bhatt, Bhumi Pednekar, Varun Dhawan and Siddharth Malhotra in attendance. Ekta Kapoor, directors Rohit Shetty and Ashwini Iyer Tiwari were also part of the delegation.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Army Chief General&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-has-managed-situation-well-along-china-pakistan-borders-bipin-rawat-189336">Bipin Rawat</a> has said even though new leadership in Islamabad "talks of peace", he hasn't seen any change on the ground.&nbsp;

Speaking at his annual press conference on Thursday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cant-allow-gay-sex-to-perpetrate-into-the-army-general-bipin-rawat-189374">Rawat said</a>, "They talk of peace. But on the ground, we don’t see anything. They have a future plan. Practically we have to see anything on the ground."

On terrorist infiltrating from Pakistan, he said, "Ceasefire is not applicable to the movement of the terrorist group." and anyone who is a terrorist and is coming near LoC will "be engaged".

He assured that the army has managed the situation both at the western and northern border and there is "no cause for concern."

On Afghanistan, India must not be left out when asked about his comments on talks with the Taliban. He said, "People’s voice emerging that we want peace. If number of other countries talking to Taliban do we have interest in Afghanistan? Does India has interest in Afghanistan? If the answer is yes, then you can't be out of the bandwagon. Our thinking is, yes we have interest in Afghanistan and if we have interest in Afghanistan, then other people saying we have talks, then should we in some way become participants. Maybe directly or indirectly involved"

He added, "unless you are not sitting on the table we will not know what is being discussed. Everything is discussed in closed doors. Till you sit on the table, on the high table and see what is happening and how it suits you, that is what we are looking at". Elaborating, how India has support Afghanistan in development, he said New Delhi has supported Kabul in development, trade and equipment.&nbsp;

Asked if that differs with official Indian stand, he said, "I did not say you take lead in talks, there are so many countries there. Let us at least know what is happening, that is what I supported. At least what we listen to what is said "

As a policy, India does not engage with Taliban but did participate at the Moscow talks at a non-official level last year.

Asked, if talks with separatist in J&amp;K can he compared with talks with Taliban, he said, "Same analogy can’t be applied. Jammu and Kashmir is a bilateral issue. No place for 3rd party intervention. So, here we have to talk, we have to talk based on our terms and condition. Our terms and conditions very clear, come to negation table and then start talking but shun the gun, give up violence, stop taking support from the western neighbour, if all that can happen we can talk, who says talks cannot happen. Talks and terror cannot go together. And it's not applicable to our western neighbour but people inside. You cannot keep killing security forces, abducting police, killing policemen and say we want talks"&nbsp;

He expressed optimism when it comes to the relation with Bejing. He said, "On the Chinese border we have been able to maintain peace and tranquillity especially after Wuhan when 2 heads of nation met at Wuhan. There were some common directions were issued and these directions which were issued is what we are following. Instruction has been given to both northern, western, central and eastern command, that these are the methods that need to be followed."

In December troops, Indian and Chinese troops participated in joint exercises—Hand in Hand. &nbsp;Indian and Chinese forces in Ladakh and Tawang celebrated the new year together.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has said even though new leadership in Islamabad "talks of peace", he hasn't seen any change on the ground. Speaking at his annual press conference on Thursday, Rawat said, "They talk of peace.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has said even though new leadership in Islamabad "talks of peace", he hasn't seen any change on the ground. Speaking at his annual press conference on Thursday, Rawat said, "They talk of peace. But on the ground, we don’t see anything. They have a future plan. Practically we have to see anything on the ground." On terrorist infiltrating from Pakistan, he said, "Ceasefire is not applicable to the movement of the terrorist group." and anyone who is a terrorist and is coming near LoC will "be engaged". He assured that the army has managed the situation both at the western and northern border and there is "no cause for concern." On Afghanistan, India must not be left out when asked about his comments on talks with the Taliban. He said, "People’s voice emerging that we want peace. If number of other countries talking to Taliban do we have interest in Afghanistan? Does India has interest in Afghanistan? If the answer is yes, then you can't be out of the bandwagon. Our thinking is, yes we have interest in Afghanistan and if we have interest in Afghanistan, then other people saying we have talks, then should we in some way become participants. Maybe directly or indirectly involved" He added, "unless you are not sitting on the table we will not know what is being discussed. Everything is discussed in closed doors. Till you sit on the table, on the high table and see what is happening and how it suits you, that is what we are looking at". Elaborating, how India has support Afghanistan in development, he said New Delhi has supported Kabul in development, trade and equipment. Asked if that differs with official Indian stand, he said, "I did not say you take lead in talks, there are so many countries there. Let us at least know what is happening, that is what I supported. At least what we listen to what is said " As a policy, India does not engage with Taliban but did participate at the Moscow talks at a non-official level last year. Asked, if talks with separatist in J&K can he compared with talks with Taliban, he said, "Same analogy can’t be applied. Jammu and Kashmir is a bilateral issue. No place for 3rd party intervention. So, here we have to talk, we have to talk based on our terms and condition. Our terms and conditions very clear, come to negation table and then start talking but shun the gun, give up violence, stop taking support from the western neighbour, if all that can happen we can talk, who says talks cannot happen. Talks and terror cannot go together. And it's not applicable to our western neighbour but people inside. You cannot keep killing security forces, abducting police, killing policemen and say we want talks" He expressed optimism when it comes to the relation with Bejing. He said, "On the Chinese border we have been able to maintain peace and tranquillity especially after Wuhan when 2 heads of nation met at Wuhan. There were some common directions were issued and these directions which were issued is what we are following. Instruction has been given to both northern, western, central and eastern command, that these are the methods that need to be followed." In December troops, Indian and Chinese troops participated in joint exercises—Hand in Hand. Indian and Chinese forces in Ladakh and Tawang celebrated the new year together.

No change on the ground under Pakistan PM Imran Khan: Army Chief Bipin Rawat

Army chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-has-managed-situation-well-along-china-pakistan-borders-bipin-rawat-189336">Gen Bipin Rawat</a> Thursday suggested that the Supreme Court verdict on decriminalisation of gay sex may not be implemented in the Army.

Gen Rawat, during his annual press conference, said such actions are forbidden in the Army.

At the same time, he added that the Army is not above the law."We will not allow this to happen in the Army," he said.

In what was hailed as a historic move, a five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court last September unanimously decriminalised part of the 158-year-old colonial law under Section 377 of the IPC which criminalises consensual unnatural sex, saying it violated the rights to equality.

When asked about the court ruling on adultery, he said the Army is conservative.

"We can't allow it to perpetrate into the Army," the Army chief said.&nbsp;

Last year, the Supreme Court had struck down a colonial-era anti-adultery law, saying it was unconstitutional, dented the individuality of women and treated them as "chattel of husbands".&nbsp;

Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat Thursday suggested that the Supreme Court verdict on decriminalisation of gay sex may not be implemented in the Army. Gen Rawat, during his annual press conference, said such actions are forbidden in the Army.

Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat Thursday suggested that the Supreme Court verdict on decriminalisation of gay sex may not be implemented in the Army. Gen Rawat, during his annual press conference, said such actions are forbidden in the Army. At the same time, he added that the Army is not above the law."We will not allow this to happen in the Army," he said. In what was hailed as a historic move, a five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court last September unanimously decriminalised part of the 158-year-old colonial law under Section 377 of the IPC which criminalises consensual unnatural sex, saying it violated the rights to equality. When asked about the court ruling on adultery, he said the Army is conservative. "We can't allow it to perpetrate into the Army," the Army chief said. Last year, the Supreme Court had struck down a colonial-era anti-adultery law, saying it was unconstitutional, dented the individuality of women and treated them as "chattel of husbands".

Can't allow gay sex to perpetrate into the Army: General Bipin Rawat

The Army has managed the situation well along the borders with China and Pakistan and there should be no cause for concern, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said Thursday.

Rawat, speaking at his annual press conference, also said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir needs to be improved further.

"We are only facilitators for peace in J&amp;K," he said.

"We have managed the situation well along the northern and western borders," Gen Rawat said, adding that there should be no cause for concern.

With the US and Russia reaching out to the Taliban in Afghanistan, Gen Rawat said, "We have interests in Afghanistan, we can't be out of bandwagon."&nbsp;

"The same analogy can't apply to Jammu and Kashmir. Talks in the state have to be on our terms," he asserted.

The Army chief said talks and terror cannot go together, and it applies to Jammu and Kashmir too.

The Army has managed the situation well along the borders with China and Pakistan and there should be no cause for concern, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said Thursday.

The Army has managed the situation well along the borders with China and Pakistan and there should be no cause for concern, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said Thursday. Rawat, speaking at his annual press conference, also said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir needs to be improved further. "We are only facilitators for peace in J&K," he said. "We have managed the situation well along the northern and western borders," Gen Rawat said, adding that there should be no cause for concern. With the US and Russia reaching out to the Taliban in Afghanistan, Gen Rawat said, "We have interests in Afghanistan, we can't be out of bandwagon." "The same analogy can't apply to Jammu and Kashmir. Talks in the state have to be on our terms," he asserted. The Army chief said talks and terror cannot go together, and it applies to Jammu and Kashmir too.

Army has managed situation well along China, Pakistan borders: General Bipin Rawat

Asserting that terrorism is becoming <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ready-another-surgical-strike-action-army-chief-bipin-rawat-167735">a new form of warfare</a>, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat said on Wednesday the menace is spreading its head like a "multi-headed monster" and is "here to stay" as long as states continue to use it as a state policy.

Rawat, speaking at a panel <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-has-taken-right-decision-army-chief-bipin-rawat-india-cancelling-indo-pak-talks">discussion at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi</a>, also said that there was a need to control social media as it was becoming a source of spreading radicalisation.

He said a different kind of radicalisation was being witnessed in India and in Jammu and Kashmir, the youth were getting radicalised due to a lot of misinformation, disinformation, and a lot of falsehoods on religion being fed to them.

"That is why you find more and more educated youth being drawn into terrorism," he said.

Terrorism is here to stay as long as there are nations that continue to sponsor it as a state policy, Rawat said, without naming Pakistan.

"Terrorism is becoming a new form of warfare. A weaker nation is using terrorists as proxy to put pressure on another nation to come to terms with it," he said.

The phenomenon of terrorism is now spreading its head like a multi-headed monster, Rawat said.

On the Afghan peace process, he said there should be negotiations with the Taliban, but without conditions.

He also asserted that Pakistan has always kept the Taliban in its backyard and should be concerned about it.

Asserting that terrorism is becoming a new form of warfare, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat said on Wednesday the menace is spreading its head like a "multi-headed monster" and is "here to stay" as long as states continue to use it as a state policy.

Asserting that terrorism is becoming a new form of warfare, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat said on Wednesday the menace is spreading its head like a "multi-headed monster" and is "here to stay" as long as states continue to use it as a state policy. Rawat, speaking at a panel discussion at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi, also said that there was a need to control social media as it was becoming a source of spreading radicalisation. He said a different kind of radicalisation was being witnessed in India and in Jammu and Kashmir, the youth were getting radicalised due to a lot of misinformation, disinformation, and a lot of falsehoods on religion being fed to them. "That is why you find more and more educated youth being drawn into terrorism," he said. Terrorism is here to stay as long as there are nations that continue to sponsor it as a state policy, Rawat said, without naming Pakistan. "Terrorism is becoming a new form of warfare. A weaker nation is using terrorists as proxy to put pressure on another nation to come to terms with it," he said. The phenomenon of terrorism is now spreading its head like a multi-headed monster, Rawat said. On the Afghan peace process, he said there should be negotiations with the Taliban, but without conditions. He also asserted that Pakistan has always kept the Taliban in its backyard and should be concerned about it.

Terrorism becoming new form of warfare, says Army chief Bipin Rawat

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-should-be-talks-with-the-taliban-army-chief-bipin-rawat-189220">There should be talks with the Taliban: Army chief Bipin Rawat</a>

Army chief General Bipin Rawat has said that "there should be talks with Taliban" but without any preconditions. Speaking at the fourth Raisina Dialogue in Delhi, he said talks with Taliban should happen "so long they don't come with a precondition and so long they look at lasting peace in Afghanistan and bring about stability in the country" and this is "in our interest, in region's interest, and it's in Pakistan's interest. We all want stability."

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-others-protest-as-government-moves-constitution-amendment-bill-in-rajya-sabha-189203">10% quota for poor: Congress, others protest as govt introduces </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-others-protest-as-government-moves-constitution-amendment-bill-in-rajya-sabha-189203">bill</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-others-protest-as-government-moves-constitution-amendment-bill-in-rajya-sabha-189203"> in Rajya Sabha</a>

The Congress and other opposition parties on Wednesday strongly protested in the Rajya Sabha and demanded the sending of the 'The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty- Four Amendment) Bill, 2019' to a select committee, after the government introduced the key legislation.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-has-changed-but-still-much-work-to-do-malala-yousafzai-189223">Pakistan has changed but there's still much work to do: Malala Yousafzai</a>

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai says Pakistan has changed since she left the country nearly six years ago after being attacked by the Taliban and there is more peace but a lot of work is left to be done.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharat-bandh-2nd-day-violent-protests-rail-blockades-witnessed-in-many-states-189235">Day 2 of Bharat Bandh: Bank attacked in Kerala, stones pelted at school buses in WB</a>

Sporadic incidents of violence in West Bengal and Kerala and rail blockades in certain states were witnessed Wednesday on the second day of Bharat Bandh, which also saw a partial disruption of banking and insurance services across the country.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/how-hardik-pandya-got-carried-away-comments-that-led-to-storm-and-show-cause-189240">How Hardik Pandya got 'carried away'; the comments that led to a storm and show cause notice</a>

It was meant to be a fun, no-holds-barred interaction but cricketer Hardik Pandya, by his own admission, got "carried away".

Appearing on "Koffee with Karan", hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar, with teammate K L Rahul, Pandya's apparent loose talk on women and his sexuality took many by surprise.&nbsp;

Three days after the celebrity chat show aired on Sunday, the two cricketers on Wednesday were issued show cause notices by the BCCI, which took note of the massive outrage on social media and elsewhere. 
&nbsp;

There should be talks with the Taliban: Army chief Bipin Rawat Army chief General Bipin Rawat has said that "there should be talks with Taliban" but without any preconditions.

There should be talks with the Taliban: Army chief Bipin Rawat Army chief General Bipin Rawat has said that "there should be talks with Taliban" but without any preconditions. Speaking at the fourth Raisina Dialogue in Delhi, he said talks with Taliban should happen "so long they don't come with a precondition and so long they look at lasting peace in Afghanistan and bring about stability in the country" and this is "in our interest, in region's interest, and it's in Pakistan's interest. We all want stability." 10% quota for poor: Congress, others protest as govt introduces bill in Rajya Sabha The Congress and other opposition parties on Wednesday strongly protested in the Rajya Sabha and demanded the sending of the 'The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty- Four Amendment) Bill, 2019' to a select committee, after the government introduced the key legislation. Pakistan has changed but there's still much work to do: Malala Yousafzai Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai says Pakistan has changed since she left the country nearly six years ago after being attacked by the Taliban and there is more peace but a lot of work is left to be done. Day 2 of Bharat Bandh: Bank attacked in Kerala, stones pelted at school buses in WB Sporadic incidents of violence in West Bengal and Kerala and rail blockades in certain states were witnessed Wednesday on the second day of Bharat Bandh, which also saw a partial disruption of banking and insurance services across the country. How Hardik Pandya got 'carried away'; the comments that led to a storm and show cause notice It was meant to be a fun, no-holds-barred interaction but cricketer Hardik Pandya, by his own admission, got "carried away". Appearing on "Koffee with Karan", hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar, with teammate K L Rahul, Pandya's apparent loose talk on women and his sexuality took many by surprise. Three days after the celebrity chat show aired on Sunday, the two cricketers on Wednesday were issued show cause notices by the BCCI, which took note of the massive outrage on social media and elsewhere.

Army chief General Bipin Rawat has said that "there should be talks with Taliban" but without any preconditions. Speaking at the fourth Raisina Dialogue in Delhi, he said talks with Taliban should happen "so long they don't come with a precondition and so long they look at lasting peace in Afghanistan and bring about stability in the country" and this is "in our interest, in region's interest, and it's in Pakistan's interest. We all want stability."

On Pakistan's engagement with Afghanistan, Rawat said, "Pakistan has always treated Afghanistan as its backyard and they have been always concerned about it. And as a military leader, why not? They have to be concerned about the backyard. They will always want a military situation in Afghanistan which is more favourable to them. Even if it implies speaking to the devil. They will know it."

Explaining, Rawat said, "But then when you talk to terrorists or any organisation of that kind, you have to talk without precondition. There cannot be precondition attached to it. When you start attaching preconditions, then it gives the notion that one or the other side is talking from the position of victory. Any negotiation you go in for must be from that point of view."

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorism-becoming-new-form-of-warfare-says-army-chief-bipin-rawat-189157">Terrorism becoming </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorism-becoming-new-form-of-warfare-says-army-chief-bipin-rawat-189157">new</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorism-becoming-new-form-of-warfare-says-army-chief-bipin-rawat-189157"> form of warfare, says Army chief Bipin Rawat</a>

Rawat's comments came even as the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, is in India, his first visit to New Delhi after taking over the post.&nbsp;

Announcing his India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and China visit, the US State Department had said, "During his last trip in December, Special Representative Khalilzad reiterated that the only solution to the conflict is for all parties to sit together and reach an agreement on the political future of Afghanistan with mutual respect and acceptance."

India's official policy on the Afghan peace process is that it should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the government of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"No engagement with the Taliban" remains the official policy of New Delhi when it comes to dealing with the group.

India had however participated last year in the Moscow talks on Afghanistan, in which the Taliban also took part. India participated at a non-official level, sending two former diplomats — Amar Sinha, India's former envoy to Afghanistan, and TCA Raghavan.&nbsp;

Iran recently said India could use its offices to talk to the Taliban.&nbsp;

Top Iranian government sources told WION, "We have our channels with Taliban. If (India) wishes to use those channels, you are welcome."&nbsp;

Iran does however consider the Taliban a threat.&nbsp;

"A Taliban-dominated Afghanistan is security threat to Iran, India but an existential threat to Pakistan," the Iranian government sources said. "We discussed this with late Pakistan PM Bhutto. We told them this will be your menace."

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Wednesday. During their 40-minute talk, the Iranian side briefed India about Tehran's talks with the Taliban.

Iran had a brief dialogue with the Taliban in Moscow and their first round of talks took place in Tehran last week. Iran, the US, Russia, and Pakistan all are holding talks with the Taliban at some level and have acknowledged it.&nbsp;

Army chief General Bipin Rawat has said that "there should be talks with Taliban" but without any preconditions. Speaking at the fourth Raisina Dialogue in Delhi, he said talks with Taliban should happen "so long they don't come with a precondition and so long they look at lasting peace in Afghanistan and bring about stability in the country" and this is "in our interest, in region's interest, and it's in Pakistan's interest.

Army chief General Bipin Rawat has said that "there should be talks with Taliban" but without any preconditions. Speaking at the fourth Raisina Dialogue in Delhi, he said talks with Taliban should happen "so long they don't come with a precondition and so long they look at lasting peace in Afghanistan and bring about stability in the country" and this is "in our interest, in region's interest, and it's in Pakistan's interest. We all want stability." On Pakistan's engagement with Afghanistan, Rawat said, "Pakistan has always treated Afghanistan as its backyard and they have been always concerned about it. And as a military leader, why not? They have to be concerned about the backyard. They will always want a military situation in Afghanistan which is more favourable to them. Even if it implies speaking to the devil. They will know it." Explaining, Rawat said, "But then when you talk to terrorists or any organisation of that kind, you have to talk without precondition. There cannot be precondition attached to it. When you start attaching preconditions, then it gives the notion that one or the other side is talking from the position of victory. Any negotiation you go in for must be from that point of view." Also read: Terrorism becoming new form of warfare, says Army chief Bipin Rawat Rawat's comments came even as the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, is in India, his first visit to New Delhi after taking over the post. Announcing his India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and China visit, the US State Department had said, "During his last trip in December, Special Representative Khalilzad reiterated that the only solution to the conflict is for all parties to sit together and reach an agreement on the political future of Afghanistan with mutual respect and acceptance." India's official policy on the Afghan peace process is that it should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled and with the participation of the government of Afghanistan. "No engagement with the Taliban" remains the official policy of New Delhi when it comes to dealing with the group. India had however participated last year in the Moscow talks on Afghanistan, in which the Taliban also took part. India participated at a non-official level, sending two former diplomats — Amar Sinha, India's former envoy to Afghanistan, and TCA Raghavan. Iran recently said India could use its offices to talk to the Taliban. Top Iranian government sources told WION, "We have our channels with Taliban. If (India) wishes to use those channels, you are welcome." Iran does however consider the Taliban a threat. "A Taliban-dominated Afghanistan is security threat to Iran, India but an existential threat to Pakistan," the Iranian government sources said. "We discussed this with late Pakistan PM Bhutto. We told them this will be your menace." Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Wednesday. During their 40-minute talk, the Iranian side briefed India about Tehran's talks with the Taliban. Iran had a brief dialogue with the Taliban in Moscow and their first round of talks took place in Tehran last week. Iran, the US, Russia, and Pakistan all are holding talks with the Taliban at some level and have acknowledged it.

There should be talks with the Taliban: Army chief Bipin Rawat

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entire-world-knows-pak-link-to-2611-general-bipin-rawat-182624">Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat</a> Saturday said there are women officers engaged in exercises like mining and de-mining operations and also manning the air defence system, but cited difficulties in assigning them frontline combat role.

He said that in frontline combat there are risks of officers getting killed.&nbsp;

"See, I am not saying a woman who has children doesn't die. She can also die in a road accident. But in combat, when body bags come back, our country is not ready to see that," Rawat said in an interview with a TV channel.

"We have women officers as engineers, they are doing mining and demining work. In air defence, they are manning our weapon systems. But we have not put women in frontline combat because what we are engaged in right now is a proxy war, like in Kashmir," he said.

He cited logistical reason also behind not posting women on frontlines.

"Our orders are that a lady officer will get a hut in the COB, then there are orders that we have to cocoon her separately. She will say somebody is peeping, so we will have to give a sheet around her," Rawat said.

Rawat questioned whether a women officer with commanding responsibilities can stay away from her post for long?&nbsp;

"I am ready, it is not that army is not ready (for combat role for the women). Will she command? Ok, so now I make her a commanding officer. She is commanding a battalion.Do I put a restriction on her to say that in that command tenure you will not be given maternity leave? If I say that, there will be ruckus created," he added.

Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat Saturday said there are women officers engaged in exercises like mining and de-mining operations and also manning the air defence system, but cited difficulties in assigning them frontline combat role.

Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat Saturday said there are women officers engaged in exercises like mining and de-mining operations and also manning the air defence system, but cited difficulties in assigning them frontline combat role. He said that in frontline combat there are risks of officers getting killed. "See, I am not saying a woman who has children doesn't die. She can also die in a road accident. But in combat, when body bags come back, our country is not ready to see that," Rawat said in an interview with a TV channel. "We have women officers as engineers, they are doing mining and demining work. In air defence, they are manning our weapon systems. But we have not put women in frontline combat because what we are engaged in right now is a proxy war, like in Kashmir," he said. He cited logistical reason also behind not posting women on frontlines. "Our orders are that a lady officer will get a hut in the COB, then there are orders that we have to cocoon her separately. She will say somebody is peeping, so we will have to give a sheet around her," Rawat said. Rawat questioned whether a women officer with commanding responsibilities can stay away from her post for long? "I am ready, it is not that army is not ready (for combat role for the women). Will she command? Ok, so now I make her a commanding officer. She is commanding a battalion.Do I put a restriction on her to say that in that command tenure you will not be given maternity leave? If I say that, there will be ruckus created," he added.

Army chief cites difficulties in putting women in combat role

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat Saturday said the international community knew about the role of Pakistani terrorists in the Mumbai terror attack and that India did not want anyone's acknowledgement about it. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The Army chief's comments came when asked about reported remarks of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan that the 2008 Mumbai attack was "an act of terrorism" and that resolving the case was in Pakistan's interest. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Khan's comments during a media interview were seen as an indirect acknowledgement of the involvement of Pakistani terrorists in the attack.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"International community knows who did it...but even without it, we knew who did it," Gen. Rawat said on the sidelines of an event when asked about Khan's reported comments. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The Army chief, however, said acceptance by Pakistan about the 26/11 terror attack was good. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
He further said, "We know who did it. I don't think we have to get anymore statement from anybody." 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Asked about comments by former Northern Army Commander Lt General (retd) D S Hooda that the "hype" around the 2016 surgical strikes on terror launchpads along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir was unwarranted and that it is not good when military operations get politicised, Gen Rawat said the remarks were an individual's opinion. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
At the same time, Gen Rawat said, he respected Lt Gen (retd) Hooda's words. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
As Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen (retd) Hooda was involved in the planning and execution of the surgical strikes.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat Saturday said the international community knew about the role of Pakistani terrorists in the Mumbai terror attack and that India did not want anyone's acknowledgement about it.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat Saturday said the international community knew about the role of Pakistani terrorists in the Mumbai terror attack and that India did not want anyone's acknowledgement about it. The Army chief's comments came when asked about reported remarks of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan that the 2008 Mumbai attack was "an act of terrorism" and that resolving the case was in Pakistan's interest. Khan's comments during a media interview were seen as an indirect acknowledgement of the involvement of Pakistani terrorists in the attack. "International community knows who did it...but even without it, we knew who did it," Gen. Rawat said on the sidelines of an event when asked about Khan's reported comments. The Army chief, however, said acceptance by Pakistan about the 26/11 terror attack was good. He further said, "We know who did it. I don't think we have to get anymore statement from anybody." Asked about comments by former Northern Army Commander Lt General (retd) D S Hooda that the "hype" around the 2016 surgical strikes on terror launchpads along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir was unwarranted and that it is not good when military operations get politicised, Gen Rawat said the remarks were an individual's opinion. At the same time, Gen Rawat said, he respected Lt Gen (retd) Hooda's words. As Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen (retd) Hooda was involved in the planning and execution of the surgical strikes.

Entire world knows Pakistan link to 26/11: General Bipin Rawat

A day after Lt General (retired) D S Hooda opined that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strike-was-overhyped-says-lt-gen-retd-ds-hooda-182369">Surgical Strike was overhyped and politicised</a>, &nbsp;Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said that Hooda was one of the main persons involved in the conduct of the operations and he respects his words ''very much''.&nbsp;

''These are individual person's perceptions so let's not comment on them. He was one of the main persons involved in the conduct of these operations so I respect his words very much,'' said Rawat said when asked about Hooda's remarks.

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Army Chief on General (retired)DS Hooda's remark 'I think there was too much hype over surgical strike': These are individual person's perceptions so let's not comment on them.He was one of the main persons involved in conduct of these operations so I respect his words very much. <a href="https://t.co/LSPWiZomQp">pic.twitter.com/LSPWiZomQp</a>
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When asked about Army soldier Jitendra Malik, a suspect in Bulandshahr violence, Rawat said if there is some evidence and police feels that they suspect him, then we will produce him before them. We will fully cooperate with the police.&nbsp;

Speaking to ANI, Hooda said, "I do think there was too much hype over it. The military operation was important and we had to do it. Now how much should it have been politicised, whether it is right or wrong is something that should be asked to politicians."

Responding to Hooda's remarks, GOC Northern Command, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said the surgical strike is one of the options available to Army. It had a positive effect on the country, we’ve been able to curb terrorism to a great extent

A day after Lt General (retired) D S Hooda opined that the Surgical Strike was overhyped and politicised, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said that Hooda was one of the main persons involved in the conduct of the operations and he respects his words ''very much''.

A day after Lt General (retired) D S Hooda opined that the Surgical Strike was overhyped and politicised, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said that Hooda was one of the main persons involved in the conduct of the operations and he respects his words ''very much''. ''These are individual person's perceptions so let's not comment on them. He was one of the main persons involved in the conduct of these operations so I respect his words very much,'' said Rawat said when asked about Hooda's remarks. Army Chief on General (retired)DS Hooda's remark 'I think there was too much hype over surgical strike': These are individual person's perceptions so let's not comment on them.He was one of the main persons involved in conduct of these operations so I respect his words very much. pic.twitter.com/LSPWiZomQp — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2018 × When asked about Army soldier Jitendra Malik, a suspect in Bulandshahr violence, Rawat said if there is some evidence and police feels that they suspect him, then we will produce him before them. We will fully cooperate with the police. Speaking to ANI, Hooda said, "I do think there was too much hype over it. The military operation was important and we had to do it. Now how much should it have been politicised, whether it is right or wrong is something that should be asked to politicians." Responding to Hooda's remarks, GOC Northern Command, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh said the surgical strike is one of the options available to Army. It had a positive effect on the country, we’ve been able to curb terrorism to a great extent

I respect his words 'very much': Army chief on Hooda's remark on surgical strike being overhyped 

Amidst peace overtures from Islamabad, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-has-changed-the-demography-of-pok-army-chief-general-bipin-rawat-180110">Army chief General Bipin Rawat </a>said Friday Pakistan cannot stay together with India as long as it is an Islamic state and if they are willing to become secular, then there is an opportunity.

While Rawat has expressed concerns over cross-border terror emanating from Pakistan, this is probably for the first time, he has talked about religious character of the neighbouring country apparently responsible for strained Indo-Pak ties.

"If they (Pakistan) have to stay together with India, then they have to develop as a secular state," Gen Rawat told reporters on the sidelines of the Passing Out Parade of the 135th course at the National Defence Academy here.

"See this staying together, staying separate, ispe Pakistan ko apni andruni halat dekhni hogi. Pakistan ne apne state ko Islamic state bana diya hai. Hum log secular state hai (Pakistan has to look at its internal situation. They are an Islamic state, we (India) are a secular state)," he said.

General Rawat said, "How can we stay together if you say I am an Islamic state and there is no role for anybody else," he said. "If they are willing to become secular like us, then they seem to have an opportunity. Pehle dekhe, karte hai ki nahi karte (Let us see if they do so or not)."

Rawat's comments come amidst Pakistan Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-googly-ensured-presence-of-indian-ministers-at-kartarpur-corridor-event-pakistan-foreign-minister-180412">Imran Khan's efforts to resume dialogue</a> with India.

During a press conference in Islamabad yesterday, Khan said he was "ready" to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and for the first time admitted that it was not in the interest of his country to allow its territories to be used for terror activities in other countries. India has always maintained that

Pakistan-sponsor terrorism was its "core concern" and unless Islamabad takes action to stop it, the dialogue process cannot be resumed.

Asked about Khan's statement that Islamabad would move two steps forward if New Delhi took one step, Rawat said the neighbouring nation should first take steps to stop terror activities.

"I would like to tell Pakistan to initiate that first step (of ending terror emanating from its soil). In the past, India has taken several steps. When we say terror is being harboured in your country, show some action by curtailing terror activities which are used against India," Rawat said.

On Khan's contention that why India and Pakistan could not be friends when Germany and France could be good neighbours, he said the neighbouring nation first needs to see its internal condition.

Amidst peace overtures from Islamabad, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said Friday Pakistan cannot stay together with India as long as it is an Islamic state and if they are willing to become secular, then there is an opportunity.

Amidst peace overtures from Islamabad, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said Friday Pakistan cannot stay together with India as long as it is an Islamic state and if they are willing to become secular, then there is an opportunity. While Rawat has expressed concerns over cross-border terror emanating from Pakistan, this is probably for the first time, he has talked about religious character of the neighbouring country apparently responsible for strained Indo-Pak ties. "If they (Pakistan) have to stay together with India, then they have to develop as a secular state," Gen Rawat told reporters on the sidelines of the Passing Out Parade of the 135th course at the National Defence Academy here. "See this staying together, staying separate, ispe Pakistan ko apni andruni halat dekhni hogi. Pakistan ne apne state ko Islamic state bana diya hai. Hum log secular state hai (Pakistan has to look at its internal situation. They are an Islamic state, we (India) are a secular state)," he said. General Rawat said, "How can we stay together if you say I am an Islamic state and there is no role for anybody else," he said. "If they are willing to become secular like us, then they seem to have an opportunity. Pehle dekhe, karte hai ki nahi karte (Let us see if they do so or not)." Rawat's comments come amidst Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's efforts to resume dialogue with India. During a press conference in Islamabad yesterday, Khan said he was "ready" to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and for the first time admitted that it was not in the interest of his country to allow its territories to be used for terror activities in other countries. India has always maintained that Pakistan-sponsor terrorism was its "core concern" and unless Islamabad takes action to stop it, the dialogue process cannot be resumed. Asked about Khan's statement that Islamabad would move two steps forward if New Delhi took one step, Rawat said the neighbouring nation should first take steps to stop terror activities. "I would like to tell Pakistan to initiate that first step (of ending terror emanating from its soil). In the past, India has taken several steps. When we say terror is being harboured in your country, show some action by curtailing terror activities which are used against India," Rawat said. On Khan's contention that why India and Pakistan could not be friends when Germany and France could be good neighbours, he said the neighbouring nation first needs to see its internal condition.

If Pakistan has to stay together with India, they have to develop as secular state: Army chief

The Indian Army is not yet ready to have women in combat roles, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-cannot-stay-together-with-india-as-long-as-it-is-an-islamic-state-army-chief-180522">Army chief General Bipin Rawat</a> said Friday.

The Army chief, however, said there are several other fields where the Army is thinking of inducting women, such as information and psychological warfare.

"We are not yet ready for that (women in combat roles) as facilities have to be created... Women also need to be prepared for that kind of hardships," he said.

"It is not easy. Let us not compare ourselves with Western nations, which are more open," Gen Rawat told reporters on the sidelines of the Passing Out Parade of the 135th course at the National Defence Academy here.

"Yes, we may be more open in our big cities, but our Army personnel are not coming from big cities only. They are coming from rural areas too, where the inter-mingling, which is expected, is still not there," he said.

"They are already there in education and law, so the other field we have identified for them is information warfare, psychological warfare and (we are) also considering the accounting field where women can be inducted," he said.

"Women officers are being inducted into all the three services. But what we have to decide is whether some of them can be given permanent commission," General Rawat said.

The Army has taken a call that there are some aspects and fields where "we need some kind of continuity and permanency," he said.

"In a command-oriented army, male officers do not fit the bill everywhere. The Army needs language interpreters as military diplomacy is gaining ground. The basic requirement is understanding the language while talking to other nations, military to military. So we are looking for women as interpreters," he said.&nbsp;

The Indian Army is not yet ready to have women in combat roles, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said Friday. The Army chief, however, said there are several other fields where the Army is thinking of inducting women, such as information and psychological warfare.

The Indian Army is not yet ready to have women in combat roles, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said Friday. The Army chief, however, said there are several other fields where the Army is thinking of inducting women, such as information and psychological warfare. "We are not yet ready for that (women in combat roles) as facilities have to be created... Women also need to be prepared for that kind of hardships," he said. "It is not easy. Let us not compare ourselves with Western nations, which are more open," Gen Rawat told reporters on the sidelines of the Passing Out Parade of the 135th course at the National Defence Academy here. "Yes, we may be more open in our big cities, but our Army personnel are not coming from big cities only. They are coming from rural areas too, where the inter-mingling, which is expected, is still not there," he said. "They are already there in education and law, so the other field we have identified for them is information warfare, psychological warfare and (we are) also considering the accounting field where women can be inducted," he said. "Women officers are being inducted into all the three services. But what we have to decide is whether some of them can be given permanent commission," General Rawat said. The Army has taken a call that there are some aspects and fields where "we need some kind of continuity and permanency," he said. "In a command-oriented army, male officers do not fit the bill everywhere. The Army needs language interpreters as military diplomacy is gaining ground. The basic requirement is understanding the language while talking to other nations, military to military. So we are looking for women as interpreters," he said.

Army not yet ready for women in combat roles: General Rawat

Pakistan has altered the demography of PoK and the identity of Kashmiris on that side has been systematically eroded, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-no-extra-territorial-ambitions-says-army-chief-bipin-rawat-174949">Army Chief Bipin Rawat</a> said on Wednesday.

He disapproved of suggestions about sending back security forces "to barracks" whenever there is "a little bit of peace" in Kashmir, saying it will give terrorists time to revamp their networks and asserted that there was a need to maintain sustained pressure "to control the situation".

Rawat, who was delivering the Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Lecture, also expressed concern over allowing funeral processions of terrorists, saying they glorify militants as martyrs and are "possibly encouraging more people to join the terrorist ranks".

Referring to PoK, Rawat said, "Pakistan has very cleverly changed the demography of so-called Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan. So, one is not very sure who is an actual Kashmiri."

"Is he is a Kashmiri or a Punjabi who has come in there and occupied that area. People from Gilgit-Baltistan are also now being taken over gradually. So, if there is an identity between our side of Kashmiri and the other side, then the identity thing has gradually been eroded. That is an issue we have to look at," he said.

The Army chief credited the locals for successful operations against militants in Kashmir, saying they were providing "hard intelligence".

"Things will be brought into control and are being brought under control, but sustained pressure needs to be maintained."

"It should not happen that little bit of peace that we see and say, Oh, it is hunky dory and it is now time to return to the barracks and let things happen. This time will be used for revamping the network of the terrorists," he said.

Rawat said the situation needs to be brought to a level where the terror groups are not able to revamp.

"You have to bring them to a level where they (terrorists) are not able to revamp, get the leadership out and make sure they have very few weapons left with them and they do not have opportunities to carry out conglomeration and get together wherever they want to," the Army chief said.

He also pointed out that the funeral processions that glorify terrorists as martyrs should be addressed.

"In a funeral procession when you make a martyr of a terrorist is what is possibly encouraging more people to join the terrorist ranks," he said.

"These are some of the issues which we are gradually addressing," Rawat said noting that the Army does not want to deal with a heavy hand and allow that to become a trigger for violence in the Valley.

Rawat stressed on the need for a greater positive engagement with the youth to motivate them to remain off the street and the "gun culture".

He said the Army will also take maulvis from Kashmir on 'Sadbhavna yatras' to places like Ajmer Sharif, Agra and show them that there is no persecution of any religious minorities in India.

Pakistan has altered the demography of PoK and the identity of Kashmiris on that side has been systematically eroded, Army Chief Bipin Rawat said on Wednesday. He disapproved of suggestions about sending back security forces "to barracks" whenever there is "a little bit of peace" in Kashmir, saying it will give terrorists time to revamp their networks and asserted that there was a need to maintain sustained pressure "to control the situation".

Pakistan has altered the demography of PoK and the identity of Kashmiris on that side has been systematically eroded, Army Chief Bipin Rawat said on Wednesday. He disapproved of suggestions about sending back security forces "to barracks" whenever there is "a little bit of peace" in Kashmir, saying it will give terrorists time to revamp their networks and asserted that there was a need to maintain sustained pressure "to control the situation". Rawat, who was delivering the Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Lecture, also expressed concern over allowing funeral processions of terrorists, saying they glorify militants as martyrs and are "possibly encouraging more people to join the terrorist ranks". Referring to PoK, Rawat said, "Pakistan has very cleverly changed the demography of so-called Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan. So, one is not very sure who is an actual Kashmiri." "Is he is a Kashmiri or a Punjabi who has come in there and occupied that area. People from Gilgit-Baltistan are also now being taken over gradually. So, if there is an identity between our side of Kashmiri and the other side, then the identity thing has gradually been eroded. That is an issue we have to look at," he said. The Army chief credited the locals for successful operations against militants in Kashmir, saying they were providing "hard intelligence". "Things will be brought into control and are being brought under control, but sustained pressure needs to be maintained." "It should not happen that little bit of peace that we see and say, Oh, it is hunky dory and it is now time to return to the barracks and let things happen. This time will be used for revamping the network of the terrorists," he said. Rawat said the situation needs to be brought to a level where the terror groups are not able to revamp. "You have to bring them to a level where they (terrorists) are not able to revamp, get the leadership out and make sure they have very few weapons left with them and they do not have opportunities to carry out conglomeration and get together wherever they want to," the Army chief said. He also pointed out that the funeral processions that glorify terrorists as martyrs should be addressed. "In a funeral procession when you make a martyr of a terrorist is what is possibly encouraging more people to join the terrorist ranks," he said. "These are some of the issues which we are gradually addressing," Rawat said noting that the Army does not want to deal with a heavy hand and allow that to become a trigger for violence in the Valley. Rawat stressed on the need for a greater positive engagement with the youth to motivate them to remain off the street and the "gun culture". He said the Army will also take maulvis from Kashmir on 'Sadbhavna yatras' to places like Ajmer Sharif, Agra and show them that there is no persecution of any religious minorities in India.

Pakistan has changed demography of PoK: Army chief General Bipin Rawat

Watch: WION Gravitas, 28th November, 2018

WION Gravitas:  Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat endorses WION

WION presents India to the world: Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat

Amid fears of US sanctions over the S-400 deal with Russia, Army Chief Bipin Rawat today asserted that India follows an independent policy and was also keen on getting the Kamov helicopters and other weapon systems from Moscow.

India and Russia on Friday signed a multi-billion-dollar deal to procure the S-400 Trimuf S-400 air defence system, which could attract sanctions under the Countering American Activities Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).&nbsp;

The act is primarily aimed at countering Russia, Iran and North Korea.

India and Russia concluded the deal notwithstanding the US warning&nbsp;that it would be a "focus area" for it to implement punitive sanctions against a nation undertaking "significant" business deals with the Russians.

General Rawat, who returned Saturday night after a six-day visit to Russia, held talks with military officials of that country to enhance cooperation between the two countries. He said the Russians were very keen in associating with the Indian Army and defence forces. &nbsp;

"Because they do understand that we are a strong Army, capable of standing up to what is right for us based on our strategic thought process," he said.

The Army Chief was speaking at the General KV Krishna Rao Memorial lecture in New Delhi.

On his Russian visit, General Rawat recalled a question posed to him by a Russian naval officer that India seemed to be looking westwards at America, which has put sanctions on Russia, and that Washington has also threatened to impose restrictions on New Delhi for dealing with Moscow. &nbsp;

To this, General Rawat responded saying, "Yes, we do appreciate that there could be sanctions on us, but we follow an independent policy," he said.

General Rawat also sought to assuage Russian concerns over its growing ties with the US.

"You (Russia) can be rest assured (that) while we may be associating with America in getting some technology, but we follow an independent policy.

"I told them while we are talking sanctions and you are questioning on sanctions, President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at this juncture, are signing the treaty on purchase of S-400 weapon system inspite of the fact that we may face challenges from America in the future," the Army Chief said. &nbsp;

General Rawat said India was looking forward to procuring Kamov helicopters and other weapon systems and technology from Russia.

He said New Delhi was looking to get space based systems and technologies from Moscow to enhance its space capabilities.

"There is no end in sight to the manner in which we can cooperate with your country. I think the way forward is to see what is best for the nation, strategically important for us," he had said.

Amid fears of US sanctions over the S-400 deal with Russia, Army Chief Bipin Rawat today asserted that India follows an independent policy and was also keen on getting the Kamov helicopters and other weapon systems from Moscow.

Amid fears of US sanctions over the S-400 deal with Russia, Army Chief Bipin Rawat today asserted that India follows an independent policy and was also keen on getting the Kamov helicopters and other weapon systems from Moscow. India and Russia on Friday signed a multi-billion-dollar deal to procure the S-400 Trimuf S-400 air defence system, which could attract sanctions under the Countering American Activities Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The act is primarily aimed at countering Russia, Iran and North Korea. India and Russia concluded the deal notwithstanding the US warning that it would be a "focus area" for it to implement punitive sanctions against a nation undertaking "significant" business deals with the Russians. General Rawat, who returned Saturday night after a six-day visit to Russia, held talks with military officials of that country to enhance cooperation between the two countries. He said the Russians were very keen in associating with the Indian Army and defence forces. "Because they do understand that we are a strong Army, capable of standing up to what is right for us based on our strategic thought process," he said. The Army Chief was speaking at the General KV Krishna Rao Memorial lecture in New Delhi. On his Russian visit, General Rawat recalled a question posed to him by a Russian naval officer that India seemed to be looking westwards at America, which has put sanctions on Russia, and that Washington has also threatened to impose restrictions on New Delhi for dealing with Moscow. To this, General Rawat responded saying, "Yes, we do appreciate that there could be sanctions on us, but we follow an independent policy," he said. General Rawat also sought to assuage Russian concerns over its growing ties with the US. "You (Russia) can be rest assured (that) while we may be associating with America in getting some technology, but we follow an independent policy. "I told them while we are talking sanctions and you are questioning on sanctions, President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at this juncture, are signing the treaty on purchase of S-400 weapon system inspite of the fact that we may face challenges from America in the future," the Army Chief said. General Rawat said India was looking forward to procuring Kamov helicopters and other weapon systems and technology from Russia. He said New Delhi was looking to get space based systems and technologies from Moscow to enhance its space capabilities. "There is no end in sight to the manner in which we can cooperate with your country. I think the way forward is to see what is best for the nation, strategically important for us," he had said.

India has independent policy: Army chief after S-400 deal with Russia

The Russian Army is "very keen" on associating with the Indian Army, said Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Sunday while stressing on the independence of Indian policymaking.

"Russians are very keen on associating with the Indian Army because we are a very capable Army. We are capable of standing for what is right for us," General Rawat said at the inaugural General KV Krishna Rao Memorial Lecture at Manekshaw Centre.

"When Russians asked about the American sanctions, my reply was, 'Yes, we do appreciate that there could be sanctions on us, but we follow an independent policy. You can be rest assured. While we may be associating with America in getting some technology, but we follow an independent policy'," he said.

General Rawat continued saying, "I further told them, 'While we are talking sanctions and you are questioning on sanctions. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at this juncture are signing the treaty on the purchase of S-400 weapon system in spite of the fact that we may face challenges from America in the future and a USD 5.3 billion deal has been signed between the two countries."

The Army chief went on to add that India is "looking forward to getting Kamov helicopters". He added, "We are also looking forward to getting other weapon systems and technologies. We are looking forward to getting space-based systems and technologies to enhance our space capabilities".

The Army Chief, who recently undertook a six-day visit to Russia, met the top brass of the Russian Armed Forces and key military formations and establishments.

The delegation also visited the Mikhailovskaya Artillery Military Academy, the Headquarters of Western Military District in St. Petersburg and General Staff Academy.

The Russian Army is "very keen" on associating with the Indian Army, said Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Sunday while stressing on the independence of Indian policymaking.

The Russian Army is "very keen" on associating with the Indian Army, said Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Sunday while stressing on the independence of Indian policymaking. "Russians are very keen on associating with the Indian Army because we are a very capable Army. We are capable of standing for what is right for us," General Rawat said at the inaugural General KV Krishna Rao Memorial Lecture at Manekshaw Centre. "When Russians asked about the American sanctions, my reply was, 'Yes, we do appreciate that there could be sanctions on us, but we follow an independent policy. You can be rest assured. While we may be associating with America in getting some technology, but we follow an independent policy'," he said. General Rawat continued saying, "I further told them, 'While we are talking sanctions and you are questioning on sanctions. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at this juncture are signing the treaty on the purchase of S-400 weapon system in spite of the fact that we may face challenges from America in the future and a USD 5.3 billion deal has been signed between the two countries." The Army chief went on to add that India is "looking forward to getting Kamov helicopters". He added, "We are also looking forward to getting other weapon systems and technologies. We are looking forward to getting space-based systems and technologies to enhance our space capabilities". The Army Chief, who recently undertook a six-day visit to Russia, met the top brass of the Russian Armed Forces and key military formations and establishments. The delegation also visited the Mikhailovskaya Artillery Military Academy, the Headquarters of Western Military District in St. Petersburg and General Staff Academy.

Russia keen to associate with Indian Army: General Rawat

The Indian Army can take another <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-surgical-strikes-video-shows-indian-army-destroying-terror-launch-pads-in-pok-147550">surgical strike-like action</a> if infiltration doesn't stop from the Pakistan side, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has said.

Speaking to WION Editor-in-chief Sudhir Chaudhary, General Rawat said, "The surgical strikes, which were carried out two years ago, was a well though-out plan against the brutality committed in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri. We (the Indian Army) keep devising plans to check infiltration from across the border and will not hesitate to take another similar action if Pakistan doesn't stop supporting terrorists or fails to check infiltration."

We will not let infiltration go on year after year; either Pakistan stops supporting terrorists or we will be forced to take action, he said affirmatively.

"Terrorism emanating from Pakistan is the biggest challenge to the country. But <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-were-conducted-in-the-interest-of-national-security-not-for-political-mileage-148036">surgical strikes</a> are not the only option we have. The armed forces have several other better options for tackling cross-border infiltration and terrorism," General Rawat said.

The Army had conducted a massive <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-rejects-video-clips-of-indian-surgical-strikes-calls-it-farcical-147801">surgical strikes</a> on terror launch pads across the Line of Control on September 29, two years ago.

General Rawat also discussed India's Pakistan policy, what steps the Indian Army is taking, or planning to take, to deal with terrorism.

"India is progressing rapidly, we are taking rapid strides in development. But look at Pakistan. Its economy is falling, the education and healthcare sectors are in shambles. So Pakistan needs to understand that supporting terrorism is adversely affecting its policy and is not in sync with India's vision," General Rawat said.

He also gave some words of advice to the new Pakistan government led by Imran Khan and its army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. General Rawat said that peace and stability in the region can be established only if the civilian government in the neighbouring nation and its armed forces make an honest effort towards it.

"Peace can come, insurgency and cross-border terrorism can end if the Imran Khan government in Pakistan takes an honest effort in that direction. Till the time the civilian government in Pakistan remains under the clutches of its army (ISI) peace will remain a distant dream," he said.

General Rawat also said that he feels sad as well as surprised when human rights activists raise concerns when a terrorist is eliminated. "How can you talk about human rights of a terrorist? He attacks innocent people. Such activists and organisations need to sit together and rethink their strategies," he said.

The Army Chief also said that Pakistan-backed terrorists are utterly frustrated with Indian Army's counter-terror operations in which several top terrorists had been eliminated.

General Rawat, while praising the officers and jawans of the armed forces, said that the country is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality and to protect the national borders.

The Army Chief also referred to the ongoing row over Rafale defence deal. He said that defence procurement should be done through Government-to-Government channels, which will eliminate the risk of middlemen and ensure transparency.

When asked if he harboured any political ambitions, General Rawat said, "No".

"I am not cut out for that. I would like to be remembered as an Army officer who lived his dream, who led his side with pride, and the one who always admired and respected his olive green uniform," he said. 
&nbsp; 
The no-holds-barred interview with Army Chief came nearly a week after a BSF soldier was shot dead by Pakistani forces and his mutilated body was found later.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UbckFevUsQo" width="560"></iframe>

The Indian Army can take another surgical strike-like action if infiltration doesn't stop from the Pakistan side, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has said. Speaking to WION Editor-in-chief Sudhir Chaudhary, General Rawat said, "The surgical strikes, which were carried out two years ago, was a well though-out plan against the brutality committed in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri.

The Indian Army can take another surgical strike-like action if infiltration doesn't stop from the Pakistan side, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has said. Speaking to WION Editor-in-chief Sudhir Chaudhary, General Rawat said, "The surgical strikes, which were carried out two years ago, was a well though-out plan against the brutality committed in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri. We (the Indian Army) keep devising plans to check infiltration from across the border and will not hesitate to take another similar action if Pakistan doesn't stop supporting terrorists or fails to check infiltration." We will not let infiltration go on year after year; either Pakistan stops supporting terrorists or we will be forced to take action, he said affirmatively. "Terrorism emanating from Pakistan is the biggest challenge to the country. But surgical strikes are not the only option we have. The armed forces have several other better options for tackling cross-border infiltration and terrorism," General Rawat said. The Army had conducted a massive surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control on September 29, two years ago. General Rawat also discussed India's Pakistan policy, what steps the Indian Army is taking, or planning to take, to deal with terrorism. "India is progressing rapidly, we are taking rapid strides in development. But look at Pakistan. Its economy is falling, the education and healthcare sectors are in shambles. So Pakistan needs to understand that supporting terrorism is adversely affecting its policy and is not in sync with India's vision," General Rawat said. He also gave some words of advice to the new Pakistan government led by Imran Khan and its army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. General Rawat said that peace and stability in the region can be established only if the civilian government in the neighbouring nation and its armed forces make an honest effort towards it. "Peace can come, insurgency and cross-border terrorism can end if the Imran Khan government in Pakistan takes an honest effort in that direction. Till the time the civilian government in Pakistan remains under the clutches of its army (ISI) peace will remain a distant dream," he said. General Rawat also said that he feels sad as well as surprised when human rights activists raise concerns when a terrorist is eliminated. "How can you talk about human rights of a terrorist? He attacks innocent people. Such activists and organisations need to sit together and rethink their strategies," he said. The Army Chief also said that Pakistan-backed terrorists are utterly frustrated with Indian Army's counter-terror operations in which several top terrorists had been eliminated. General Rawat, while praising the officers and jawans of the armed forces, said that the country is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality and to protect the national borders. The Army Chief also referred to the ongoing row over Rafale defence deal. He said that defence procurement should be done through Government-to-Government channels, which will eliminate the risk of middlemen and ensure transparency. When asked if he harboured any political ambitions, General Rawat said, "No". "I am not cut out for that. I would like to be remembered as an Army officer who lived his dream, who led his side with pride, and the one who always admired and respected his olive green uniform," he said. The no-holds-barred interview with Army Chief came nearly a week after a BSF soldier was shot dead by Pakistani forces and his mutilated body was found later.

Ready for another surgical strike-like action: Army Chief Bipin Rawat to WION

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-opposition-holds-imran-khan-responsible-diplomatic-debacle-india-167264">Pak opposition holds Imran Khan responsible for 'diplomatic debacle' with India</a>

Pakistan's two major opposition parties have questioned the "haste" shown by Prime Minister Imran Khan in making efforts to mend ties with India and held him responsible for the "diplomatic debacle", saying he should have done his "homework" before approaching India for a meeting.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/govt-has-taken-right-decision-army-chief-bipin-rawat-india-cancelling-indo-pak-talks">Govt has taken right decision: Army Chief Bipin Rawat on India cancelling Indo-Pak talks</a>

Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat has said the "government has taken the right decision" in cancelling the meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-votes-incumbent-yameen-expected-cement-grip-power-167251">Maldives votes, incumbent Yameen expected to cement grip on power</a>

The Maldives voted on Sunday in an election in which hardline President Abdulla Yameen is expected to cement his grip on power but which opposition and international groups have criticised for a lack of transparency and suppression of dissent.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ready-war-choose-walk-path-peace-pakistan-army-167221">'Ready for war' but choose to walk </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ready-war-choose-walk-path-peace-pakistan-army-167221">path</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ready-war-choose-walk-path-peace-pakistan-army-167221"> of peace: Pakistan Army</a>

The Pakistan Army on Saturday said it is "ready for war" but chooses to walk the path of peace in the interest of its people, comments which came in response to Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's remark that "stern action" is needed to "avenge" the brutal killing of Indian soldiers.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-accuses-us-backed-gulf-arab-states-carrying-out-attack-military-parade-167253">Iran's Khamenei accuses US-backed Gulf Arab states of carrying out attack on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-accuses-us-backed-gulf-arab-states-carrying-out-attack-military-parade-167253">military</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-khamenei-accuses-us-backed-gulf-arab-states-carrying-out-attack-military-parade-167253"> parade</a>

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused US-backed Gulf Arab states of carrying out a shooting attack on a military parade that killed 25 people, almost half of them members of the country's elite Revolutionary Guards.

Pak opposition holds Imran Khan responsible for 'diplomatic debacle' with India Pakistan's two major opposition parties have questioned the "haste" shown by Prime Minister Imran Khan in making efforts to mend ties with India and held him responsible for the "diplomatic debacle", saying he should have done his "homework" before approaching India for a meeting.

Pak opposition holds Imran Khan responsible for 'diplomatic debacle' with India Pakistan's two major opposition parties have questioned the "haste" shown by Prime Minister Imran Khan in making efforts to mend ties with India and held him responsible for the "diplomatic debacle", saying he should have done his "homework" before approaching India for a meeting. Govt has taken right decision: Army Chief Bipin Rawat on India cancelling Indo-Pak talks Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat has said the "government has taken the right decision" in cancelling the meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan. Maldives votes, incumbent Yameen expected to cement grip on power The Maldives voted on Sunday in an election in which hardline President Abdulla Yameen is expected to cement his grip on power but which opposition and international groups have criticised for a lack of transparency and suppression of dissent. 'Ready for war' but choose to walk path of peace: Pakistan Army The Pakistan Army on Saturday said it is "ready for war" but chooses to walk the path of peace in the interest of its people, comments which came in response to Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's remark that "stern action" is needed to "avenge" the brutal killing of Indian soldiers. Iran's Khamenei accuses US-backed Gulf Arab states of carrying out attack on military parade Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused US-backed Gulf Arab states of carrying out a shooting attack on a military parade that killed 25 people, almost half of them members of the country's elite Revolutionary Guards.

Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Tuesday stressed the importance of the military power rising with the growth in the economy.&nbsp;

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General Rawat said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/migration-from-bangladesh-part-of-proxy-war-by-pakistan-supported-by-china-army-chief-33667">Chinese</a> had &quot;finally arrived&quot; because they did not forget that military power should &quot;rise simultaneously with the economy&quot;. He also said that countries were looking up to India to balance the rise of China.

&quot;Chinese have finally arrived. I can say that. They did not forget that military power should rise simultaneously with the economy, that is why they stand strong today in the international world order, challenging the might of USA,&quot; the army chief said.

&quot;After that focus of international community shifted towards Indo-Pacific region. As China has risen, countries have started looking up to India to see whether we can also become a nation that can balance the rise of China. It is all because of China&#39;s assertiveness,&quot; he added.

The army chief also said that the joint military exercise &quot;Hand-in-Hand&quot; with China would be resumed and that military diplomacy with the country had worked and was moving forward.

&quot;It is an exercise that happens every year. Last year, it was shelved. But this exercise (hand in hand) is back on the cards. We had a meeting again with China, which had not been happening after Doklam. Military diplomacy with China has worked and is moving forward,&quot; General Rawat said.

The army chief said he wanted to dispel two myths about the army, that defence expenditure did not give any returns and that it was utilised only for maintaining the military. He said that 35 per cent of the army&#39;s budget went into nation building.

&quot;There is a belief that the defence expenditure is actually a burden on the state. They believe that whatever put in defence it is something that comes without any returns. I want to dispel that myth,&quot; General Rawat said.

&quot;Is entire defence expenditure being utilised only for maintaining military? This is the second myth I wish to dispel. Almost 35% of our budget goes into nation building,&quot; he said.

&quot;If your economy has to rise, you have to ensure security to that establishment that is going to be poured in your country.&quot; 
 
The army chief cited the example of infrastructure development on the borders by the military and said that it connected people who live in far areas with the mainland which helped in uniting the nation.

&quot;When we develop infrastructure on our borders, we are connecting the people who live in far areas with the mainland. This helps in uniting the nation,&quot; General Rawat said.

Asked about Pakistan, the army chief said that the army had the option of going &quot;to the next level&quot; if Pakistan &quot;raise the threshold any higher&quot;. He also said that people in Pakistan were suffering more damage than India was.

&quot;Should they raise the threshold any higher, we have the option of going to the next level. Pakistan is just ensuring that they don&#39;t raise the threshold. The people sitting across the border line are suffering more damage than what we are suffering,&quot; General Rawat said.

The army chief added that the army wanted a ceasefire on India&#39;s terms and that would happen once Pakistan had had enough.

&quot;We have made sure that they also face the same brunt. When they find that they have had enough, then we will be able to call for a ceasefire on our terms. We do not want a ceasefire to be called on Pakistan&#39;s terms,&quot;&quot; 
&nbsp;

General Rawat said that the Chinese had 'finally arrived' because they did not forget that military power should 'rise simultaneously with the economy'

Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Tuesday stressed the importance of the military power rising with the growth in the economy. × General Rawat said that the Chinese had "finally arrived" because they did not forget that military power should "rise simultaneously with the economy". He also said that countries were looking up to India to balance the rise of China. "Chinese have finally arrived. I can say that. They did not forget that military power should rise simultaneously with the economy, that is why they stand strong today in the international world order, challenging the might of USA," the army chief said. "After that focus of international community shifted towards Indo-Pacific region. As China has risen, countries have started looking up to India to see whether we can also become a nation that can balance the rise of China. It is all because of China's assertiveness," he added. The army chief also said that the joint military exercise "Hand-in-Hand" with China would be resumed and that military diplomacy with the country had worked and was moving forward. "It is an exercise that happens every year. Last year, it was shelved. But this exercise (hand in hand) is back on the cards. We had a meeting again with China, which had not been happening after Doklam. Military diplomacy with China has worked and is moving forward," General Rawat said. The army chief said he wanted to dispel two myths about the army, that defence expenditure did not give any returns and that it was utilised only for maintaining the military. He said that 35 per cent of the army's budget went into nation building. "There is a belief that the defence expenditure is actually a burden on the state. They believe that whatever put in defence it is something that comes without any returns. I want to dispel that myth," General Rawat said. "Is entire defence expenditure being utilised only for maintaining military? This is the second myth I wish to dispel. Almost 35% of our budget goes into nation building," he said. "If your economy has to rise, you have to ensure security to that establishment that is going to be poured in your country." The army chief cited the example of infrastructure development on the borders by the military and said that it connected people who live in far areas with the mainland which helped in uniting the nation. "When we develop infrastructure on our borders, we are connecting the people who live in far areas with the mainland. This helps in uniting the nation," General Rawat said. Asked about Pakistan, the army chief said that the army had the option of going "to the next level" if Pakistan "raise the threshold any higher". He also said that people in Pakistan were suffering more damage than India was. "Should they raise the threshold any higher, we have the option of going to the next level. Pakistan is just ensuring that they don't raise the threshold. The people sitting across the border line are suffering more damage than what we are suffering," General Rawat said. The army chief added that the army wanted a ceasefire on India's terms and that would happen once Pakistan had had enough. "We have made sure that they also face the same brunt. When they find that they have had enough, then we will be able to call for a ceasefire on our terms. We do not want a ceasefire to be called on Pakistan's terms,""

'Chinese have finally arrived': Army chief

The annual India-China military exercise will resume, Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat said on Tuesday, noting that the relationship between the two countries which had turned &quot;sour&quot; after the Doklam stand-off was now improving.

He said the military diplomacy with China worked and the border personnel meetings that had stopped post-Doklam stand-off have begun again.

The &quot;bonhomie&quot; between the two forces was back, Rawat said.

&quot;The hand-in-hand exercise with China happens every year. Only in the last year, this exercise was shelved (due to simmering tensions over Doklam), but this exercise is back on the cards,&quot; he said in response to a question.

The border personnel of India and China were locked in a 73-day stand-off last year in Doklam.

The disengagement of forces took place in August last year, after hectic parleys between the two countries.

&quot;So the military diplomacy with China has worked and is moving forward and ensuring that there is a thaw in the relations...the relationship had turned sour but I think it is all getting over now,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be visiting China next month and it is likely that the issue could come up for discussion.

The high-ranking visits between the two sides continued after the Doklam face-off ended in August last year. In December, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India to attend the RIC (Russia India China) Foreign Ministers meeting. He also held bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj.

Last month, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale also made a trip to Beijing, where he held talks with Wang.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit China in June this year to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting.

Army Chief Bipin Rawat said that the military diplomacy with China worked and the border personnel meetings that had stopped post-Doklam stand-off have begun again

The annual India-China military exercise will resume, Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat said on Tuesday, noting that the relationship between the two countries which had turned "sour" after the Doklam stand-off was now improving. He said the military diplomacy with China worked and the border personnel meetings that had stopped post-Doklam stand-off have begun again. The "bonhomie" between the two forces was back, Rawat said. "The hand-in-hand exercise with China happens every year. Only in the last year, this exercise was shelved (due to simmering tensions over Doklam), but this exercise is back on the cards," he said in response to a question. The border personnel of India and China were locked in a 73-day stand-off last year in Doklam. The disengagement of forces took place in August last year, after hectic parleys between the two countries. "So the military diplomacy with China has worked and is moving forward and ensuring that there is a thaw in the relations...the relationship had turned sour but I think it is all getting over now," he added. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be visiting China next month and it is likely that the issue could come up for discussion. The high-ranking visits between the two sides continued after the Doklam face-off ended in August last year. In December, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India to attend the RIC (Russia India China) Foreign Ministers meeting. He also held bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj. Last month, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale also made a trip to Beijing, where he held talks with Wang. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit China in June this year to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting.

'Sour' relationship improving, annual exercise between Indian, Chinese armies to resume: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat

AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal today lashed out at the Army Chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/migration-from-bangladesh-part-of-proxy-war-by-pakistan-supported-by-china-army-chief-33667">Bipin Rawat&#39;s comment</a> saying that, &quot;if the Army chief is saying that demographic change is happening in Assam then it is the government&#39;s job to check it&quot;.

Ajmal spoke in Guwahati and noted that their party had said that &quot;shoot anyone who infiltrates into our borders&quot;.

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We respect General Rawat a lot but I think he has been misinformed and misguided: AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal in Guwahati <a href="https://t.co/2Xp8D0lWTY">pic.twitter.com/2Xp8D0lWTY</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/966633087336681472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Army Chief General Bipin Rawat earlier spoke at a conference in Delhi on securing borders in India&#39;s Northeast region. He noted that migration from Bangladesh into India is &quot;planned&quot; and that it is a part of a proxy war by Pakistan supported by China, to keep India&#39;s Northeast region on the boil.&nbsp;

Rawat noted that the AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front) has grown faster in Assam than the BJP over the years. The AIUDF is led by Badruddin Ajmal.&nbsp;

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If Army chief is saying that demographic change is happening in Assam then it is the government&#39;s job to check it. We are the only party which said that shoot anyone who infiltrate into our borders: AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal in Guwahati <a href="https://t.co/r9DyU426Rp">pic.twitter.com/r9DyU426Rp</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/966633730956722176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;When we talk of Jan Sangh with two MPs and where they have reached, AIUDF is moving at a faster pace in the state of Assam,&quot; said Rawat.&nbsp;

Reacting to Army Chief&#39;s comments, the AIUDF chief noted that although he respects General Rawat, he thinks that &quot;he (Rawat) has been misinformed and misguided.

Ajmal also noted that he has already sought time to meet the President, the Prime Minister and the Home Minister.&nbsp;

&quot;Our MLA delegation will meet and clarify our position. Whenever I meet the Home Minister, he meets me warmly and addresses me as &#39;Badruddin Bhai&#39;. If we were anti-national would he welcome me?&quot;

Ajmal spoke in Guwahati and noted that their party had said that 'shoot anyone who infiltrates into our borders'

AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal today lashed out at the Army Chief Bipin Rawat's comment saying that, "if the Army chief is saying that demographic change is happening in Assam then it is the government's job to check it". Ajmal spoke in Guwahati and noted that their party had said that "shoot anyone who infiltrates into our borders". We respect General Rawat a lot but I think he has been misinformed and misguided: AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal in Guwahati pic.twitter.com/2Xp8D0lWTY — ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018 × Army Chief General Bipin Rawat earlier spoke at a conference in Delhi on securing borders in India's Northeast region. He noted that migration from Bangladesh into India is "planned" and that it is a part of a proxy war by Pakistan supported by China, to keep India's Northeast region on the boil. Rawat noted that the AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front) has grown faster in Assam than the BJP over the years. The AIUDF is led by Badruddin Ajmal. If Army chief is saying that demographic change is happening in Assam then it is the government's job to check it. We are the only party which said that shoot anyone who infiltrate into our borders: AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal in Guwahati pic.twitter.com/r9DyU426Rp — ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018 × "When we talk of Jan Sangh with two MPs and where they have reached, AIUDF is moving at a faster pace in the state of Assam," said Rawat. Reacting to Army Chief's comments, the AIUDF chief noted that although he respects General Rawat, he thinks that "he (Rawat) has been misinformed and misguided. Ajmal also noted that he has already sought time to meet the President, the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. "Our MLA delegation will meet and clarify our position. Whenever I meet the Home Minister, he meets me warmly and addresses me as 'Badruddin Bhai'. If we were anti-national would he welcome me?"

If we were anti-national would Rajnath Singh welcome me, asks AIUDF chief 

In a stern message to Pakistan, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat asserted today that the Army will not allow anti-India activities to succeed in Jammu and Kashmir and it was ready to escalate military offensive to combat cross-border terrorism if Islamabad forces it to do so.

Addressing Army personnel on the occasion of Army Day, Rawat also said that disputes along the Line of Actual Control with China were continuing and the Army was trying to stop the Chinese transgressions.

&quot;Ensuring security along the Line of Actual Control (with China) is our main duty,&quot; he said without elaborating further.

Talking about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, he said the Pakistan Army has been continuously trying to help terrorists sneak into India along the Line of Control (LoC) in J&amp;K.

&quot;We will not let these anti-national elements to succeed at any cost. If we are forced, then we may escalate our military action and carry out (the) &#39;other action&#39;,&quot; he said.

The Army has been adopting a &#39;tit-for-tat&#39; approach in dealing with ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops as well as foiling infiltration bids by terrorists.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gen-rawats-remarks-on-dokalam-unconstructive-china-29595" target="_blank">China says General Rawat&#39;s remarks on Dokalam &#39;unconstructive&#39;</a>

&quot;The Army is using its might to teach them a lesson,&quot; the Army chief said, adding that, &quot;terrorists and their handlers are creating various challenges within the country by adopting new tactics.&quot;

Rawat said the Army will continue to give a befitting reply to Pakistani action along the border.

&quot;Targeting of Amarnath pilgrims, attacking policemen and Army personnel from Jammu and Kashmir, including murder of Lt Ummer Fayaz, were attempts to attack national unity and divide the society,&quot; Rawat said.

Young Army officer Fayaz, from Kulgam district, was killed in May last year when he had gone to Shopian to attend the marriage of one of his relatives.

Talking about Pakistan&#39;s proxy war and evolving security challenges facing the region, Gen Rawat asked the forces to remain ready to face any eventuality.

&quot;We will have to keep high-level of readiness&quot; to deal with any eventuality, he said.

On defence spending, Rawat said it acts as an engine of economic growth. The armed forces are expecting higher allocation in the budget for 2018-19.

&quot;Size of our defence budget is sixth globally. 30 per cent of the defence budget is spent on procurement of weapons. A portion of it is spent on the country&#39;s development and providing jobs. The defence budget should be looked as engine of development,&quot; he said.

Referring to the security situation in several states of the northeastern region, he said the Army&#39;s intelligence based operations have contained militancy to a large extent.

He also cautioned that success is never permanent and the troops will have to continue their hard work to deal with any security challenge.

Rawat said there has been sustained efforts to enhance capability of the Army and that contracts worth Rs 30,000 crore have been finalised in 2017-18.

Talking about modernisation of the infantry, he said the focus was on futuristic weapon systems.

The Army&#39;s aviation wing is being bolstered by inducting new helicopters. He said the missile system in the Army&#39;s air defence is also being strengthened.

He said cadre review of JCOs (junior commissioned officers) and other ranks have been approved which has resulted in the creation of 479 additional posts of Subedar major, 7,769 posts of Subedar, 13,466 naib subedars, 58,493 havaldars and 64,930 naiks.

The Army chief also said that an Aadhar-based mobile application is being developed through which Army personnel will be able to post their grievances online. The aim is to resolve their grivances as soon as possible, he said.

The Army chief also awarded the sena medal to a number of Army personnel.&nbsp;

Rawat said the Pakistani Army has been continuously trying to help terrorists sneak into India along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a stern message to Pakistan, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat asserted today that the Army will not allow anti-India activities to succeed in Jammu and Kashmir and it was ready to escalate military offensive to combat cross-border terrorism if Islamabad forces it to do so. Addressing Army personnel on the occasion of Army Day, Rawat also said that disputes along the Line of Actual Control with China were continuing and the Army was trying to stop the Chinese transgressions. "Ensuring security along the Line of Actual Control (with China) is our main duty," he said without elaborating further. Talking about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, he said the Pakistan Army has been continuously trying to help terrorists sneak into India along the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K. "We will not let these anti-national elements to succeed at any cost. If we are forced, then we may escalate our military action and carry out (the) 'other action'," he said. The Army has been adopting a 'tit-for-tat' approach in dealing with ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops as well as foiling infiltration bids by terrorists. Also read: China says General Rawat's remarks on Dokalam 'unconstructive' "The Army is using its might to teach them a lesson," the Army chief said, adding that, "terrorists and their handlers are creating various challenges within the country by adopting new tactics." Rawat said the Army will continue to give a befitting reply to Pakistani action along the border. "Targeting of Amarnath pilgrims, attacking policemen and Army personnel from Jammu and Kashmir, including murder of Lt Ummer Fayaz, were attempts to attack national unity and divide the society," Rawat said. Young Army officer Fayaz, from Kulgam district, was killed in May last year when he had gone to Shopian to attend the marriage of one of his relatives. Talking about Pakistan's proxy war and evolving security challenges facing the region, Gen Rawat asked the forces to remain ready to face any eventuality. "We will have to keep high-level of readiness" to deal with any eventuality, he said. On defence spending, Rawat said it acts as an engine of economic growth. The armed forces are expecting higher allocation in the budget for 2018-19. "Size of our defence budget is sixth globally. 30 per cent of the defence budget is spent on procurement of weapons. A portion of it is spent on the country's development and providing jobs. The defence budget should be looked as engine of development," he said. Referring to the security situation in several states of the northeastern region, he said the Army's intelligence based operations have contained militancy to a large extent. He also cautioned that success is never permanent and the troops will have to continue their hard work to deal with any security challenge. Rawat said there has been sustained efforts to enhance capability of the Army and that contracts worth Rs 30,000 crore have been finalised in 2017-18. Talking about modernisation of the infantry, he said the focus was on futuristic weapon systems. The Army's aviation wing is being bolstered by inducting new helicopters. He said the missile system in the Army's air defence is also being strengthened. He said cadre review of JCOs (junior commissioned officers) and other ranks have been approved which has resulted in the creation of 479 additional posts of Subedar major, 7,769 posts of Subedar, 13,466 naib subedars, 58,493 havaldars and 64,930 naiks. The Army chief also said that an Aadhar-based mobile application is being developed through which Army personnel will be able to post their grievances online. The aim is to resolve their grivances as soon as possible, he said. The Army chief also awarded the sena medal to a number of Army personnel.

Won't allow anti-India activities in Kashmir: Army chief

Time has not come for any rethink on the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) or making some of its provisions milder, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has said, asserting that the Army has been taking adequate precautions in protecting human rights while operating in disturbed areas like Jammu and Kashmir.

General Rawat&#39;s remarks assume significance as they come against the backdrop of reports that several rounds of high-level discussions have taken place between the defence and home ministries on the &quot;need to remove or dilute at least some provisions&quot; of AFSPA.

The act gives the security forces special rights and immunity in carrying out various operations in disturbed areas. There has been a long-standing demand from various quarters in Jammu and Kashmir&nbsp;and the Northeast to withdraw it.

&quot;I do not think time has come to even rethink on AFSPA at the moment,&quot; General Rawat told PTI in a recent interview when asked about reports that government was re-examining the demand for a milder version of AFSPA in these states.

The Army chief said though AFSPA has certain strong provisions, the Army is concerned about collateral damages and ensuring that its operations under the law do not inconvenience the local people.

&quot;We have never been strong in applying the force the way it could be applied (under AFSPA). We are very concerned about human rights. We are absolutely concerned about collateral damage. So do not get too much concerned because we are taking adequate measures and precautions,&quot; he said.

Gen Rawat said the Army has rules of engagements for various operations at every level to ensure that no inconvenience is caused to the people while it is operating under AFSPA.

&quot;The AFSPA is an enabling provision which allows the Army in particular to operate in such difficult areas and let me assure you that the Army has got quite a good human rights record,&quot; he said.

Asked whether the&nbsp;time has come to adopt a combined approach involving all three services to deal with Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in J-K, the Army Chief did not give a direct reply but added that the armed forces have &quot;options available&quot; to conduct various kinds of operations.

&quot;Yes, we have options available to conduct various kind of operations but these cannot be divulged because of the nature of the operations we have to conduct will only alert the other side,&quot; he said.

Gen&nbsp;Rawat added that &quot;when you do operational planning, these are best left to the armed forces in the manner in which they have to conduct their operations. And the manner in which the operations are conducted and the way they are planned and the way they are executed are never put in open domain.&quot;

To question on whether there was room for synergy among external and internal intelligence gathering to effectively contain cross border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, he said the armed forces and all other agencies have been operating in unison.

&quot;At this juncture, the kind of cooperation we are having among the intelligence agencies is of a very high order. Today all the intelligence agencies and the security forces are operating in unison. There is an excellent synergy among all of us and I do not think we can take it to the next higher level from what is happening at the moment. I think this is the best way and right way,&quot; the Army chief said.

Since the beginning of last year, the Army pursued an aggressive anti-terror policy in J-K and, at the same time, forcefully responded to all ceasefire violations by the Pakistani troops along the Line of Control with a tit-for-tat approach.

The LoC remained volatile last year. According to official figures, 860 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops were reported in 2017 as against 221 the year before.&nbsp;

General Bipin Rawat said though AFSPA has certain strong provisions, the Army is concerned about collateral damages and ensuring that its operations under the law do not inconvenience the local people

Time has not come for any rethink on the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) or making some of its provisions milder, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has said, asserting that the Army has been taking adequate precautions in protecting human rights while operating in disturbed areas like Jammu and Kashmir. General Rawat's remarks assume significance as they come against the backdrop of reports that several rounds of high-level discussions have taken place between the defence and home ministries on the "need to remove or dilute at least some provisions" of AFSPA. The act gives the security forces special rights and immunity in carrying out various operations in disturbed areas. There has been a long-standing demand from various quarters in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast to withdraw it. "I do not think time has come to even rethink on AFSPA at the moment," General Rawat told PTI in a recent interview when asked about reports that government was re-examining the demand for a milder version of AFSPA in these states. The Army chief said though AFSPA has certain strong provisions, the Army is concerned about collateral damages and ensuring that its operations under the law do not inconvenience the local people. "We have never been strong in applying the force the way it could be applied (under AFSPA). We are very concerned about human rights. We are absolutely concerned about collateral damage. So do not get too much concerned because we are taking adequate measures and precautions," he said. Gen Rawat said the Army has rules of engagements for various operations at every level to ensure that no inconvenience is caused to the people while it is operating under AFSPA. "The AFSPA is an enabling provision which allows the Army in particular to operate in such difficult areas and let me assure you that the Army has got quite a good human rights record," he said. Asked whether the time has come to adopt a combined approach involving all three services to deal with Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in J-K, the Army Chief did not give a direct reply but added that the armed forces have "options available" to conduct various kinds of operations. "Yes, we have options available to conduct various kind of operations but these cannot be divulged because of the nature of the operations we have to conduct will only alert the other side," he said. Gen Rawat added that "when you do operational planning, these are best left to the armed forces in the manner in which they have to conduct their operations. And the manner in which the operations are conducted and the way they are planned and the way they are executed are never put in open domain." To question on whether there was room for synergy among external and internal intelligence gathering to effectively contain cross border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, he said the armed forces and all other agencies have been operating in unison. "At this juncture, the kind of cooperation we are having among the intelligence agencies is of a very high order. Today all the intelligence agencies and the security forces are operating in unison. There is an excellent synergy among all of us and I do not think we can take it to the next higher level from what is happening at the moment. I think this is the best way and right way," the Army chief said. Since the beginning of last year, the Army pursued an aggressive anti-terror policy in J-K and, at the same time, forcefully responded to all ceasefire violations by the Pakistani troops along the Line of Control with a tit-for-tat approach. The LoC remained volatile last year. According to official figures, 860 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops were reported in 2017 as against 221 the year before.

Time has not come for any rethink on AFSPA: Army chief

Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat on Wednesday said that infrastructure development by China&#39;s People&#39;s Liberation Army (PLA) in the Doklam Plateau is temporary in nature.

&quot;As far as Doklam is concerned PLA soldiers are there in a part of the area, although not in numbers that we saw them in initially. They have carried out some infrastructure development, which is mostly temporary in nature,&quot; General Rawat said during a Facebook interactive session at the Raisina Dialogue in response to a question on Doklam.

His remarks come in wake of recent media reports about China apparently taking control of the northern side of the Doklam Plateau.

According to media reports, China has taken some infrastructure development activities in the disputed region.However, General Rawat said Indian forces will face the PLA troops if they come again in Doklam.

&quot;While troops (PLA) may have returned and infrastructure remains, it is anybody&#39;s guess whether they would come back there, or is it because of the winters that they could not take their equipment. But we are also there, so in case they come, we will face them,&quot; he said.

The army chief said the mechanism for defusing tension between the two sides is working very well and after the Doklam standoff communication is regularly taking place between the security forces of both countries at the ground level.

&quot;I think the bonhomie between India and China has returned to what it was prior to Doklam. So, I don`t visualise very serious trouble, but then one has to be prepared for it always,&quot; he said.The 73-day Doklam stand-off came to an end on August 28 after the two sides agreed to withdraw their respective troops from the plateau and the Chinese troops stopped building a key road close to India`s corridor. The road was being built by China in an area also claimed by Bhutan.

Rawat's remarks come in wake of reports of China apparently taking control of the northern side of the Doklam Plateau

Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat on Wednesday said that infrastructure development by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the Doklam Plateau is temporary in nature. "As far as Doklam is concerned PLA soldiers are there in a part of the area, although not in numbers that we saw them in initially. They have carried out some infrastructure development, which is mostly temporary in nature," General Rawat said during a Facebook interactive session at the Raisina Dialogue in response to a question on Doklam. His remarks come in wake of recent media reports about China apparently taking control of the northern side of the Doklam Plateau. According to media reports, China has taken some infrastructure development activities in the disputed region.However, General Rawat said Indian forces will face the PLA troops if they come again in Doklam. "While troops (PLA) may have returned and infrastructure remains, it is anybody's guess whether they would come back there, or is it because of the winters that they could not take their equipment. But we are also there, so in case they come, we will face them," he said. The army chief said the mechanism for defusing tension between the two sides is working very well and after the Doklam standoff communication is regularly taking place between the security forces of both countries at the ground level. "I think the bonhomie between India and China has returned to what it was prior to Doklam. So, I don`t visualise very serious trouble, but then one has to be prepared for it always," he said.The 73-day Doklam stand-off came to an end on August 28 after the two sides agreed to withdraw their respective troops from the plateau and the Chinese troops stopped building a key road close to India`s corridor. The road was being built by China in an area also claimed by Bhutan.

Chinese soldiers in Doklam but fewer in number: Army Chief General Rawat

Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat today said that unless nations that had a state-sponsored policy of terrorism were tackled first, terrorism &quot;was here to stay.&quot;

General Rawat was speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, India&#39;s flagship geo-political conference being held in New Delhi.

&quot;First, identify nations that have a state-sponsored policy of supporting terrorism. Tackle them first, otherwise, terrorism is here to stay. Second, check the source of funds. Third, the source of weapons,&quot; the army chief said.

&quot;Terrorists are using systems which are highly technology enabled and transcending international borders. We need to disrupt terrorists and their sponsors. Need to identify nations who are sponsors,&quot; he said.

General Bipin Rawat also stressed that despite the fact that India was a democratic country, there was a need for putting checks on social media which was utlilised by terrorists.

&quot;Putting some checks and curbs on internet and social media that terrorist organisations always resort to, in a democratic country people won&#39;t like it but have to take a call on whether we want safe and secure environment or willing to accept curbs temporarily so terrorism can be dealt with,&quot; General Rawat said. 
 
Also Read -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/wont-allow-anti-india-activities-in-kashmir-army-chief-29627">Won&#39;t allow anti-India activities in Kashmir: Army chief</a>

The army chief also said that there should be an international consensus on the definition of a terrorist and that the media &quot;must avoid turning terrorists into heroes.&quot;

&quot;International consensus is needed on the definition of a terrorist. Anybody who uses violence as a means to an end and causes disruption to civilian and property within their country or outside should ideally be called a terrorist,&quot; he said.

&quot;Media must avoid turning terrorists into heroes. &quot;Terrorvision&quot; is propaganda. Media must downsize coverage as opposed to highlighting terrorists.&quot;

He also said that a ban must apply to political and militant fronts of terrorist organisations.

The second edition of the Raisina Dialogue is being held today at Delhi&#39;s Taj Palace Hotel and conclude on January 19.

The theme of the annually-held Dialogue, this year is &quot;The New Normal: Multilateralism with Multi-Polarity&quot; 
&nbsp;

General Bipin Rawat today said that unless nations that had a state-sponsored policy of terrorism were tackled first, terrorism 'was here to stay'

Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat today said that unless nations that had a state-sponsored policy of terrorism were tackled first, terrorism "was here to stay." General Rawat was speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship geo-political conference being held in New Delhi. "First, identify nations that have a state-sponsored policy of supporting terrorism. Tackle them first, otherwise, terrorism is here to stay. Second, check the source of funds. Third, the source of weapons," the army chief said. "Terrorists are using systems which are highly technology enabled and transcending international borders. We need to disrupt terrorists and their sponsors. Need to identify nations who are sponsors," he said. General Bipin Rawat also stressed that despite the fact that India was a democratic country, there was a need for putting checks on social media which was utlilised by terrorists. "Putting some checks and curbs on internet and social media that terrorist organisations always resort to, in a democratic country people won't like it but have to take a call on whether we want safe and secure environment or willing to accept curbs temporarily so terrorism can be dealt with," General Rawat said. Also Read - Won't allow anti-India activities in Kashmir: Army chief The army chief also said that there should be an international consensus on the definition of a terrorist and that the media "must avoid turning terrorists into heroes." "International consensus is needed on the definition of a terrorist. Anybody who uses violence as a means to an end and causes disruption to civilian and property within their country or outside should ideally be called a terrorist," he said. "Media must avoid turning terrorists into heroes. "Terrorvision" is propaganda. Media must downsize coverage as opposed to highlighting terrorists." He also said that a ban must apply to political and militant fronts of terrorist organisations. The second edition of the Raisina Dialogue is being held today at Delhi's Taj Palace Hotel and conclude on January 19. The theme of the annually-held Dialogue, this year is "The New Normal: Multilateralism with Multi-Polarity"

Need to identify nations who are sponsors of terrorists: Army chief at Raisina Dialogue

A day after Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Altaf Ahmed Bukhari asked Army Chief General Bipin Rawat not to &quot;meddle in the state&#39;s affairs&quot;, the BJP on Sunday asked him &quot;not to lock horns with the army chief&quot;.

On Friday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-do-teachers-in-jk-use-separate-map-for-state-asks-army-chief-29358">the army chief had blamed</a> social media and government schools in the state for spreading a &quot;disinformation campaign&quot; resulting in radicalisation of youths. He had said that schools in Jammu and Kashmir were instilling wrong information into students&#39; mind by showing them a separate map of their state and not one map of India.

General Rawat had also called for &quot;some control&quot; over mosques and madrassas in the state and suggested a &quot;major revamp&quot; of the education system.

Bukhari had then accused the Army of &quot;meddling in the state&#39;s affairs&quot;.

BJP&#39;s Jammu and Kashmir unit spokesperson Brigadier Anil Gupta (retd) in a statement asked &quot;the minister to be pragmatic and accept the reality rather than locking horns&quot; with the Army chief. He said General Rawat&#39;s remarks should be viewed positively and not turned into a political issue.

The Army chief&#39;s &quot;statement was based on his vast experience in the valley and interactions with students at various levels&quot;, the BJP leader said.

&quot;Even the chief minister has voiced her concern over radicalisation and indoctrination of youths in her recent speech on the floor of the House while replying to the motion of thanks on the Governor&#39;s address,&quot; the statement read.

The Army is an important stakeholder in the restoration of peace and normalcy in the state, Gupta said, adding Gen. Rawat was &quot;well within his rights and democratic mandate to voice concern on issues which affect national integration&quot;.

(With inputs from PTI)

BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit spokesperson Brigadier Anil Gupta said General Rawat's remarks should be viewed positively and not turned into a political issue

A day after Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Altaf Ahmed Bukhari asked Army Chief General Bipin Rawat not to "meddle in the state's affairs", the BJP on Sunday asked him "not to lock horns with the army chief". On Friday, the army chief had blamed social media and government schools in the state for spreading a "disinformation campaign" resulting in radicalisation of youths. He had said that schools in Jammu and Kashmir were instilling wrong information into students' mind by showing them a separate map of their state and not one map of India. General Rawat had also called for "some control" over mosques and madrassas in the state and suggested a "major revamp" of the education system. Bukhari had then accused the Army of "meddling in the state's affairs". BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit spokesperson Brigadier Anil Gupta (retd) in a statement asked "the minister to be pragmatic and accept the reality rather than locking horns" with the Army chief. He said General Rawat's remarks should be viewed positively and not turned into a political issue. The Army chief's "statement was based on his vast experience in the valley and interactions with students at various levels", the BJP leader said. "Even the chief minister has voiced her concern over radicalisation and indoctrination of youths in her recent speech on the floor of the House while replying to the motion of thanks on the Governor's address," the statement read. The Army is an important stakeholder in the restoration of peace and normalcy in the state, Gupta said, adding Gen. Rawat was "well within his rights and democratic mandate to voice concern on issues which affect national integration". (With inputs from PTI)

Accept reality rather than locking horns with army chief: BJP to J&K education minister

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today invited Israeli defence companies to India for co-production, as he held comprehensive talks on strategic issues with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, who called him a &quot;revolutionary leader&quot;.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gen-rawats-remarks-on-dokalam-unconstructive-china-29595">China says General Rawat&#39;s remarks on Dokalam &#39;unconstructive&#39;</a>

China today hit out at Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat for calling Dokalam a disputed territory and said that his &quot;unconstructive&quot; comments were not helpful for maintaining peace at the borders.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-crisis-row-resolved-kahani-khatam-says-bar-council-29596">Supreme Court crisis: Row resolved, &#39;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-crisis-row-resolved-kahani-khatam-says-bar-council-29596">kahani</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-crisis-row-resolved-kahani-khatam-says-bar-council-29596"> khatam&#39;, says Bar Council</a>

The Bar Council of India (BCI) today said the crisis, which had erupted after four top Supreme Court judges came out openly against an allocation of cases by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, has been resolved internally and the &quot;story is over now&quot;.

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At least 75 people were injured Monday when a mezzanine floor at Indonesia&#39;s stock exchange building collapsed into the lobby, police said, with victims carried out of the debris-filled building on stretchers.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-to-be-split-into-4-entities-ahead-of-sale-reports-29606">Air India to be split into 4 entities ahead of sale: Reports</a>

Once a great airline and now decrepit, Air India would get split into four separate companies and the government is offering at least 51% in each of them as part of their disinvestment plan.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/baghdad-suicide-attack-26-killed-several-injured-29547">Baghdad suicide attack: 35 killed, several injured</a>

Thirty-five people were killed and at least 80 others wounded in two deadly suicide bombings in Baghdad on Monday morning.

India, Israel ink 9 pacts, Modi invites Israeli defence companies for co-production Prime Minister Narendra Modi today invited Israeli defence companies to India for co-production, as he held comprehensive talks on strategic issues with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, who called him a "revolutionary leader". China says General Rawat's remarks on Dokalam 'unconstructive' China today hit out at Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat for calling Dokalam a disputed territory and said that his "unconstructive" comments were not helpful for maintaining peace at the borders. Supreme Court crisis: Row resolved, 'kahani khatam', says Bar Council The Bar Council of India (BCI) today said the crisis, which had erupted after four top Supreme Court judges came out openly against an allocation of cases by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, has been resolved internally and the "story is over now". Mezzanine floor of Indonesia Stock Exchange collapses, 75 injured At least 75 people were injured Monday when a mezzanine floor at Indonesia's stock exchange building collapsed into the lobby, police said, with victims carried out of the debris-filled building on stretchers. Air India to be split into 4 entities ahead of sale: Reports Once a great airline and now decrepit, Air India would get split into four separate companies and the government is offering at least 51% in each of them as part of their disinvestment plan. Baghdad suicide attack: 35 killed, several injured Thirty-five people were killed and at least 80 others wounded in two deadly suicide bombings in Baghdad on Monday morning.

WION Evening News Brief, 15 January 2018

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Army will not hesitate to take strong action against terror activities along Pak border: General Bipin Rawat

Army has managed situation well along China, Pakistan borders: Bipin Rawat

News brief: Big stories of the day

No change on the ground under Pakistan PM Imran Khan: Army Chief Bipin Rawat

Can't allow gay sex to perpetrate into the Army: General Bipin Rawat

Army has managed situation well along China, Pakistan borders: General Bipin Rawat

Terrorism becoming new form of warfare, says Army chief Bipin Rawat

News brief: Big stories of the day

There should be talks with the Taliban: Army chief Bipin Rawat

Army chief cites difficulties in putting women in combat role

Entire world knows Pakistan link to 26/11: General Bipin Rawat

I respect his words 'very much': Army chief on Hooda's remark on surgical strike being overhyped

If Pakistan has to stay together with India, they have to develop as secular state: Army chief

Army not yet ready for women in combat roles: General Rawat

Pakistan has changed demography of PoK: Army chief General Bipin Rawat

Watch: WION Gravitas, 28th November, 2018

WION Gravitas: Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat endorses WION

WION presents India to the world: Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat

India has independent policy: Army chief after S-400 deal with Russia

Russia keen to associate with Indian Army: General Rawat

Ready for another surgical strike-like action: Army Chief Bipin Rawat to WION

News brief: Big stories of the day

'Chinese have finally arrived': Army chief

'Sour' relationship improving, annual exercise between Indian, Chinese armies to resume: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat

If we were anti-national would Rajnath Singh welcome me, asks AIUDF chief

Won't allow anti-India activities in Kashmir: Army chief