Army Vice-Chief apologises for sexist remarks

New Delhi, June 20 (UNI) Vice-Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen S Pattabhiraman, whose 'anti-women' remarks had kicked up a controversy, today apologised and said he had healthy respect for the women officers in the Army.

''It is unfortunate that during an interview on June 16 the remarks ascribed to me by a journalist in relation to intake of lady officers in the Army has caused consternation and generated adverse publicity,'' Lt Gen Pattabhiraman said in a statement.

''Should my remarks, as reported in the Press, have caused any anguish or doubt on my personal commitment and healthy respect towards the role of lady officers in the Army, I have no hesitation in rendering an apology to such groups or sections of society or individuals.'' He said the women officers joining the Army as part of Women's Special Entry Scheme had contributed in as much measure as their male counterparts towards upholding Army's traditional work culture and ethos.

They had also excelled in fields such as education, IT, communication engineering, architecture, inventory management, intelligence and combat logistics, he said.

''I also recognise that women of our country have played a stellar role not only in nation building but also in extreme adventure activities like climbing the Everest.'' The Lt General had recently remarked, during an interview to a newspaper on June 16, that the Army could well do without its women officers.

His remarks came in the backdrop of the reported suicide of Lieutenant Sushmita Chakraborty at the headquarters of the Indian Army's Northern Command in Udhampur last week.

Though the Army responded by saying that that his statement had been blown out of proportion, BJP senior leader Sushma Swaraj demanded his immediate suspension on the ground the remarks reflected the working of the Army and its mindset which would not create a conducive atmosphere for women to work in.

UNI YJ/DG RP PC2051