Sushma Swaraj demands suspension of Army Vice Chief

Bhubaneswar, June 18 (UNI) Reacting strongly to the reported remarks of Army Vice Chief Lt. General S Pattabhiraman that the force can 'do away without women', senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj today demanded his suspension.

Ms Swaraj said such a discriminatory statement reflected the mindset of the Army which was responsible for the suicide of the Army lady officer, Lt. Sushmita Chakravarty.

'' Had I been the Defence Minister I would have asked the Army Vice Chief that we can also do away with you,'' Ms Swaraj said, adding that ''I don't know whether Defence Minister Pranab Mukharjee has taken any action against Lt.General S Pattabhiraman.'' Ms Swaraj said since Congress President Sonia Gandhi was also a woman, she should ask the Defence Minister to take action against the Army Vice Chief for his remark.

The BJP leader said Sushmita's father had said that she was very upset over the late night party and demanded that a probe be ordered into the whole incident to reveal the truth but before that the Army Vice Chief should be suspended immediately.

Stating that no leniency should be shown to any one in this tragic incident, Ms Swaraj opined that a conducive atmosphere should be created in the Army as we have less women in the defence services.

Sushmita's suicide has now reflected the working of the Army in the country, she added.

Ms Swaraj said she would visit Bhopal to convey her condolence to the bereaved family.

UNI DP MA RN1639