Raipur: Ruling out the possibility of deploying Army in anti-Naxal operations, Defence Minister Manohar Parrkar today said if demanded, armed forces would extend “logistical support” and “provide training” to police in tackling the menace.
“Foreigners are not involved in it (naxal movement). We use army where outside forces are involved. We use army against terrorists in Kashmir,” Parrikar told reporters in response to a query on whether army would be roped against growing naxalism in Chhattisgarh.
The minister, however, added, “We can provide training and logistical support (to the paramilitary and local police) if demanded.”
Parrikar was in the state capital to inaugurate Jankalyan Mela, an exhibition-cum-fair showcasing the achievements of Narendra Modi-led NDA government in the past one year.
Meanwhile, responding to Congress' criticism that the Centre was not taking a stand on ‘One Rank-One Pension' policy, Parrikar said his government has made a concrete framework over it and it would be rolled out soon.
“Earlier (during the UPA rule) only assurances were given in this direction. For the first time it's us, who have made a concrete framework over OPOR scheme. Congress claimed that they had made provision of fund of Rs 500 crore. Then how did it lapse?,” he said.
The Defence Ministry has forwarded a proposal in this direction which is more or less acceptable to everyone and very soon it would be declared, he added.
Reacting to Congress' ‘suit-boot ki sarkar' jibe against the Modi government, Parrikar took a dig at Rahul Gandhi over his 56-days sabbatical.
“A government should not be judged by its clothing, but it should be judged by its activities. He (Rahul) should tell what he was doing for 56 days in Thailand and what clothes he was wearing over there,” he said.
Replying to a question on Rafale fighter jets deal with France, the minister said, “I would not like to comment on it unless everything is finalised.”
