Defence Minister AK Antony on Monday reviewed overall security scenario and operational preparedness of the Armed forces in a 45-minute meeting here. The three Services Chiefs, National Security Advisor (NSA) and Defence Secretary took part in the periodic review.
Reports also suggested that Antony discussed Pathribal encounter case with Army Chief General Bikram Singh. This came about after the Army gave a clean chit to five of its accused officers on grounds that prima facie there was no evidence against them in year 2000 case where five people were killed. The Army, however, denied that this issue was discussed during Monday’s meeting.
As regards the security review, officials said the Minister was briefed about the security situation in Jammu & Kashmir, infiltration levels on the line of Control (lOC) and the Army’s preparedness to deal with any bid by Pakistan to step up violence in the state before the forthcoming lok Sabha polls followed by Assembly polls in the State.
Antony was also apprised of situation on the line of Actual Control (lAC) with China and steps taken to check repeated incursions by the Chinese Army into India. The top brass also reviewed the pace of development of infrastructure, including roads and airfields in the all the States facing China, officials said.
They said security review is held nearly every month where the Defence Minister is briefed about emerging security scenario in the Indian sub-continent and its impact on strategic and national interests of the country.