Seniority upheld in Air Chief appointment: Antony

Kochi, Feb 3 (UNI) Defence Minister A K Antony today said seniority was upheld in the appointment of Air Marshal Fali Homi Major as the new IAF Chief, broshing aside the consideration of a non-fighter pilot being made the head of the force.

''Air Marshal Fali Homi Major is the senior most officer and the government has upheld this while considering the appointment to the top post,'' he told reporters here.

Noting that infiltration from the Pakistan side had decreased, Mr Antony said it still continued from the Bangladesh and Asom sides.

On strengthening coastal security, he said states having coastal belt would be asked to form coastal police.

Though the country maintained good relations with its neighbours, he cautioned more vigilance in the border areas.

UNI