Nagrota terror attack: Says those behind ‘lapses’ will have to pay

Manohar Parrikar, Defence Minister

New Delhi, December 2

In the wake of Nagrota terror attack, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today admitted there is scope for improvement in security as some “sort of lethargy” has set in over a period of time and said those behind “lapse” will pay for it.The minister said the recent surgical strike had led to a sense of “uncertainty” in the Pakistan security establishment and it was also a good confidence building measure for India.Replying to queries on security arrangements at Army camps, Parrikar said: “I think we can definitely improve upon it. Probably, over a period, some sort of lethargy has set in. Relaxation, it is obvious… it is taking some time.”(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)Militants had stormed a complex of an Army unit in Nagrota on Tuesday, killing seven security personnel, including two officers.Parrikar, speaking at a function, said it was “very painful” to see soldiers die but they needed to save children and families. “I think we need to think out of the box. I am very sure that Army is aware of it and working on it,” he said. On fixing responsibility, Parrikar said even if he did a mistake, he would “have to pay for it”. “Even if there are lapses, they need to be tackled properly. You cannot afford lapses,” the minister said.Parrikar spoke about the need for use of smart technologies for perimeter protection of sensitive bases but said infrastructure could not be created overnight. He indicated that lengthy Army procedures were coming in the way of getting things done swiftly. The minister said he had taken the initiative for the Army to experiment with three to four types of fences on a pilot basis but “they have massive procedures”. On possibility of more surgical strikes, Parrikar said the “principle of uncertainty” should be allowed to operate. “It will be beneficial to all of us.”“Earlier, one thing was sure that India won’t cross (Line of Control). Now that one thing is missing,” he said. — PTI

Announcement of new Army, IAF chiefs soon

• New Delhi: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday said the names of the next Army and IAF chiefs will be announced very soon. “I don’t see any reason why it has to be two months ahead… they are out of the top people in the forces. The Defence Ministry has cleared the names. It has to be approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet,” he said. Current Army Chief General Dalbir Singh and IAF chief Air Marshal Arup Raha are set to retire on December 31. IANS