Army chief disfavours using force frequently for civil aid

NEW DELHI - Indian Army chief General V.K. Singh is not in favour of the armed force being frequently deployed to aid the civil society, saying it is like “palming off” the civil government’s responsibility to the army.

He, however, said the army as part of the task assigned by the nation has the role where you are supposed to assist the state - in internal situations and disaster relief.

The army should be utilised only where the situation goes beyond the control of police forces in any state.

There has been a tendency at times to immediately call for the army without utilising the police forces and the other law and order machinery that is available. And that we advise people not to do,” the army chief told All India Radio in an interview with senior journalist Kalyani Shankar.

“Because, such immediate calling on does not show the will of that state. You know it is palming off your responsibility to the army, he said.