J-K troop reduction: Gen Singh says he was talking about Army

New Delhi, Jan 15 (PTI) A day after his comments whichwere seen as countering Home Secretary on troop reduction inJammu and Kashmir, Army Chief General V K Singh todayclarified that he was talking about the Army personnel while GK Pillai was referring to paramilitary forces.

"I think there was some confusion. What Mr Pillai saidwas concerning the Paramilitary forces. What I was talking ofwas Army," he told reporters here seeking to clear theperception that the two were talking in different voices.

"No person from Home Ministry will say about Army asit is under the purview of the Defence Ministry. I am quitesure that the Home Secretary knows about it and talk onlyabout the Paramilitary forces only," Singh said.

Pillai yesterday said the government was planning 25 percent cut in troops in Kashmir. Hours later, the Army Chiefsaid, "We have not yet felt that we have to cut down ourforces. If they want to cut down para-military and policeforces, I won''t say anything..."

This was interpreted by some sections as Gen Singhcountering the Home Secretary.

The Army chief today noted that any decisions regardingreduction of Army strength in the valley would be taken by theUnified Headquarters (UHQ), which is headed by the State ChiefMinister.

"Where they (Home Ministry) want to take out people, itis up to them. Whatever input is required, it will be providedby the UHQ. I have got no conflict or argument with anybody onthis issue," Gen Singh said, adding "So far as the Army isconcerned, I am quite convinced as what the Army is supposedto do." PTI AJD AKK