Army Chief should refrain from making 'controversial' remarks: NCP

General Bipin Rawat had on Monday warned strong action against Pakistan if it continues to encourage infiltration and violate Ceasefire across the borders.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Tuesday said that Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's "controversial" statements are not in the interest of the nation and urged him to refrain from it.

General Bipin Rawat had on Monday warned strong action against Pakistan if it continues to encourage infiltration and violate Ceasefire across the borders. Last week, General Rawat, during a media briefing in Delhi, said the force was ready to call Pakistan's "nuclear bluff" and cross the border to carry out any operation if asked by the government.

"It is the duty of ministry's spokesperson to address media if anything is to be conveyed, not the Army chief. He (Bipin Rawat) should refrain from making any controversial statement, it will go against the interest of the country," NCP leader Majeed Memon told ANI.

General Rawat's comments left Pakistan fuming. Pakistan foreign minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Saturday issued a nuclear threat to India.

"Very irresponsible statement by Indian Army Chief, not befitting his office. Amounts to an invitation for a nuclear encounter. If that is what they (India) desire, they are welcome to test our resolve. The general's doubt would swiftly be removed, inshallah," Asif tweeted.

On China, Rawat had said the People's Liberation Army has occupied the area in the west of Torsa nullah called northern Doklam. China had criticised General Bipin Rawat for his comments, saying they were "unconstructive" and went against the consensus reached by leaders of both nations

OneIndia News