General Bipin Rawat, chief of the Army staff, has said that the security forces are ready to go to war (if the need arises in the near future) by making use of available arms and ammunition.  “We would do well to safeguard the country’s security,” the outspoken General added.

Taking part at an event in Dehra Dun, Rawat was responding to reports in sections of the press that the process of procuring state-of-the-art arms and ammunition for Defence forces hadn’t been completed by the Centre.  “Procurement of arms and ammunition is a continuous process and doesn’t occur overnight,” Rawat said.

“It’s not something which happens in a provision store where we get items across the counter after paying up the requisite price.  It’s a long-winding process; irrespective of this, the security forces are always on high alert and would go to war (if the need arises in the immediate future) with the available arms and ammunition,” Rawat assured.

On another note, he said he welcomed the Centre’s proposal to make it mandatory for Central and Govt. employees to serve at least five years in armed forces.