Storm in Delhi, J&K over Army ‘payoffs’

Sep 25, 2013 |

Age Correspondent

In an apparent damage-control mode on Tuesday — a day after his explosive utterance that the Army transfers money to ministers in Jammu and Kashmir as part of “stabilising work” in the state — former Army Chief Gen. V.K. Singh (Retd) said the money was not meant to be a “bribe” but was rather meant to win the hearts and minds of people in the state through various welfare activities.

With Gen. Singh’s remarks on Monday setting off a political storm, the Centre indicated it could order a probe if the former Army Chief revealed the names of Kashmiri politicians to whom money was allegedly paid by the Army. “V.K. Singh should name politicians. He should reveal the names (of those to whom money was allegedly paid). If details are given, we can investigate,” Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde told reporters. On Tuesday, Congress spokesperson P.C. Chacko criticised the former Army Chief, saying such “irresponsible” statements brought “disgrace” to the Army.

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