CHANDIGARH: A spokesman of the Western Command said he was not aware of the Government” had reversed its earlier decision — for phased withdrawal from next month of the Army deployed in” Punjab to assist the civil authorities for fighting militancy.
When approached for comments on the statement of K.P.S.Gill Director General Police. Punjab that the Army was not being withdrawn from the State the spokesman said the earlier decision stood unless changed by the Center. He said according to the decision the troops currently deployed for field duty would withdraw to barebones but the Army: quick reaction would be available for assistance to the police for dealing with militants.
Gills statement at Ludhiana about the continued presence of the Army in Punjab has a relevance to the political thinking in the state The Chief Minister Beant Singh has often said that the army would stay in Punjab for as long as needed. He is also of the view that the fight against militancy has entered a crucial stage where the strength of the security forces should be maintained. However the Army commanders have expressed to view that the primer defence force needs continuous training on a definite type which could be hampered if it is exposed to the civil environment for long the army was deployed in the State in the middle of November last year.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 26, 1992
