Ajay Banerjee
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, January 10

Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Thursday said talks with various groups in Jammu and Kashmir could not be possible if there is violence.

He said the suggestion of talks with the Taliban did not fit into the J&K scenario.

Gen Rawat was addressing a press conference here ahead of the Army Day on January 15.

Talking about Kashmir, he said, “Come to the negotiating table, we can talk. But you have to shun the gun. Also, the number of conditions laid down make it difficult to hold talks.”

He was answering a question if talks in Kashmir should be held with Hurriyat since he (Gen Rawat) had suggested that India should look at the talks with the Taliban.On Wednesday, speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, Gen Rawat had suggested that India should be part of the talks with the Taliban.

He clarified that some nations were in favour of speaking to the Taliban. “If India thinks it has stake in Afghanistan then we must step in. I am not saying we should take the lead. But at least, go and listen to what is being discussed in Afghanistan.”

The same did not apply to J&K as it’s a bilateral issue with our western neighbor, he added.

On the situation in J&K, he said, “I am not saying it’s totally under control”, adding that there was no change in the situation at the LoC since Imran Khan had taken over.

“There is always the endeavour to bring peace. We are only facilitators of peace for the Valley. People say let’s tone down operations; can anyone give the guarantee that no convoy would be attacked in Kashmir.”

He said the situation is fine on the western and northern fronts and there was no cause for concern.

Answering a question on changes in tackling China after the Wuhan summit, Gen Rawat said, “We are maintaining peace and tranquillity of the kind that we wish.”

On the proposed restructuring of the Army, he said that in mid-2019 the restructuring of the Army headquarters would begin. The setting up of the Integrated Battle Group (IBG) would be tested on ground in May then the Army would move to implement it; The IBG would not be a ‘Mini Strike Corps’, he said.

On being asked if the recent Supreme Court verdict on decriminalisation of extra-marital affairs and homosexual relations, Gen Rawat was categorical, “We will continue to charge people under the Army Act for both. Sorry, the Army is conservative and intends not to change on these issues.”

“Some of the rights and privileges do not exist for us,” he said.

On his tenure, he said the time had come to consolidate on issues now under progress. “In the third year (of his tenure) I will strive to bring the issues to conclusion.”

He said he had involved Army commanders in discussion on restructuring. “There can never be 100 per cent consensus. We cannot take a decision on 100 per cent consensus, it’s about leadership. There are some issues which go beyond consensus, yes a majority view has to be taken,” he said.

On the soldiers who are genuinely disabled, Gen Rawat said, “To address disparity in disability pensions is top of my agenda.”

Answering a question, he said, “We are coming up with a plan. We have address disabilities. The Army will observe this year for the next of kin of the disabled or killed soldiers. We will identify those who need help.”

On the misuse of social media, he said those flouting the guidelines would invite action.