Constant vigil against ISI operators: Army Head

Bangalore, Apr 11: General Officer Commanding ATNK and K Area Maj General B Sivasankar today called for a constant vigil on developments in the neighbouring countries and States and within Karnataka following recent arrests of ISI operatives and recovery of large cache of arms and ammunition in Southern States.

Speaking at the Civil- Military Liaison conference here he said the southern states also need to be wary of the increased naxalite activities in Northern and Central parts of the country as repercussions would be felt in these states and called for adopting proactive measures to prevent their growth, cut off support base and eradicate the naxal menace.

Terming the establishment of a Subsidiary Multi Agency Centre (SMAC) in the city as 'a step forward' he said, ''With this 19 states have adopted the forum and needless to mention that regular meetings and sharing of intelligence inputs would be invaluable''.

Focussing on the shortage of land for the Defence Service in the city he urged the state government to give large chunks of lands as there was a need for infrastructure following the modernisation of the Armed forces.

There was need to set up an authentic verification procedure to verify the antecedents of the candidates before they were trained and confirmed as soldiers, he said adding that delayed or incorrect verifications had a negative impact on the entire procedure, leading to undesirable and anti-national elements finding their way into the organisation. The Army should recruit nearly 2000 candidates from the State annually, he added.

State Home Minister M P Prakash said the state government would extend all cooperation to liaison with the Armed forces in solving problems like land, rehabilitation of ex-servicemen and war widows.

He sought cooperation of the Armed forces for the city which was becoming a sensitive place in the world due to its advancement in technological developments.

Mr Prakash also dwelt on the security situation in South Asia and its implications to India.

UNI