Rawat: Talks with Taliban, separatists not same issue

New Delhi, January 10

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat today made a fine distinction between India joining the group of nations that would talk to the Taliban and demands to hold talks with separatists in Kashmir, saying talks could not be conducted if there was violence.

Addressing a press conference here ahead of Army Day (January 15), he said the suggestion of talks with the Taliban did not fit into the Jammu and Kashmir scenario.

On Kashmir, he said, “Come to the negotiating table, we can talk. But you have to shun the gun. But the number of conditions laid down for talks makes it difficult to hold talks.”

He said some nations had moved to speak to the Taliban. “If India thinks it has a stake in Afghanistan, we must step in,” he added. “I am not saying take the lead. But at least go and listen to what is being discussed in Afghanistan. The government sent somebody to listen at the meeting.”

The same does not apply to J&K “as it’s a bilateral issue with the western neighbour. People are saying let’s tone down operations, can anyone give a guarantee that no convoy will be attacked in Kashmir?” he questioned.

As regards the border, he said, “The situation is well on our western and northern fronts. There is no cause for concern.”

About changes in the strategy in tackling China after the Wuhan summit, he said, “We are maintaining peace and tranquility of the kind that we wish.”

He said the proposed restructuring of the Army headquarters would commence in mid-2019. The setting up of the Integrated Battle Group (IBG) would be tested on ground in May and then the Army would move to implement it. The IBG would not be a “mini Strike Corps”, he said.

He said he had involved Army commanders in discussions on restructuring. “We cannot take a decision on 100 per cent consensus, it’s about leadership. There are some issues which go beyond consensus, but yes, majority view has to be taken,” he said.

He said addressing the disparity in disability pension to soldiers was his top priority. On the misuse of social media, he said those flouting guidelines would face punishment. — TNS