New Delhi, Jan 14 (ANI): Chief of Army Staff General Deepak Kapoor on Wednesday said the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks came from Pakistan, and warned that India is keeping all of its options - economic, diplomatic and fighting - open if Islamabad fails to take any action against the terrorists.
Addressing an annual press conference on the eve of the 61st Army Day, General Kapoor said here that India is ready to confront any provocation, suggesting that Pakistan has been indulging in war hysteria after the 26/11 attacks.
"We all are aware of the happenings since 26/11. There has been more tension with Pakistan than usual after the attack. We are keeping all our options open," he said.
The Army Chief added: "It is not to raise any kind of war hysteria for war fighting, but it would depend on how things progress in the near future."
He said war with Pakistan was the last option, but if international diplomacy fails, the Army is ready to respond.
"Military is always a last option, and using it depends on political leadership. If all measures fail, then only will the political leadership take a decision to utilize this option," General Kapoor said.
He said that Pakistan has deployed troops along the border with India since the Mumbai attacks, but India was not being provoked.
"The aspect of Pakistani troops coming towards the east ... is in our knowledge. Indian Army has factored this part in its planning. If at anytime, an operation has to be undertaken, it is not a cause of concern to us," General Kapoor replied when asked about movement of three Pakistan Army brigades from their western border to the eastern border.
He said the Indian Army has come up to the expectation of the nation to deal with every crisis it was asked to do.
On being asked about the recent Poonch encounter in Mendhar, General Kapoor accepted that the gun battle was a tough one and an operation under inclement weather in mountainous terrain may not succeed always.
Replying to a question on the alleged marriage of an Indian Army doctor posted in Afghanistan, the Army Chief said: "According to that woman, her marriage took place in the month of December. But as per our records, the doctor was posted there from January to November."
Earlier in the day, General Kapoor had agreed to providing Army paratroopers for manning new NSG hubs set to come up in four cities to tackle any terror threat.
"Whatever paratroopers or other troops are required to enhance the capabilities of the NSG, we will provide them," he said on the sidelines of a seminar on "Threats and Challenges for the Indian Army". y Praful Kumar Singh (ANI)
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