M A I N   N E W S

Brahmastra to be annual affair
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH May 5 — The much-hyped tri-service brainstorming session for evolving futuristic battlefield concepts, Exercise Brahmastra, is now expected to be an annual event.

Stating this here today, Defence Minister George Fernandes said: ‘’This was suggested by the Army chief and I have endorsed it.’’ He was on his way to Jaipur after attending the final session of the inter-service exercise held at Headquarters Western Command, Chandimandir.

Pointing out that such an exercise had been conducted for the first time, he termed the outcome as “very successful’’. The three services chiefs, who left for New Delhi later in the evening, Army commanders and their counterparts in the IAF and the Navy as well as top functionaries of the three services participated in the exercise.

The aim of this exercise was to address military aspects which are of a joint nature. The whole gamut of issues relating to operations, logistics, administration, manpower was said to have been discussed at the closed-door exercise.

The major aim or ‘’aim-plus’’ was to achieve greater jointness in all facets of functioning of the three services and to have a greater understanding of each others’ viewpoint, concerns, constraints and, therefore, to evolve pragmatic and workable solutions to various security and security-related problems which the services are dealing with on a day-to-day basis.

On being asked if nuclear weapon deployment was deliberated at the exercise, he reiterated that it had been a very successful exercise, adding that the proceedings, achievements and suggestions mooted were secret and could not be disclosed. ‘’Operational matters concerning the three services were discussed at the exercise,’’ was all he said on the issue.

Responding to a query about reports on threats of Pakistan launching another Kargil-type operations, he said he did not expect it. ‘’We are prepared for any eventuality, though I do not see any likelihood of Kargil - II,’’ Mr Fernandes said.

On the issue of Sri Lanka seeking Indian support to rescue its troops trapped in the Jaffna peninsula, he said only humanitarian assistance would be provided. He ruled out any military intervention.

Referring to reports that Sri Lanka had also approached Pakistan for military assistance, he said so far there had been no indications that Pakistan had any intentions of sending its troops to assist Sri Lankan authorities.

On the recent fire in an ammunition depot at Bharatpur, he denied to comment saying that he had to make his reply in Parliament. ‘’A court of inquiry is looking into the matter and we have to arrange for its findings. The extent of damage has already been stated in Parliament,’’ he added.

Referring to the Delhi High Court being moved on the issue of non-payment of dues by several former Prime Ministers for using IAF aircraft, Mr Fernandes said certain steps had been taken by the Defence Ministry on the directions of the court. ‘’The ministry is doing its job,’’ he added.

On Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s demand for a meeting of the Fernandes Committee on Udham Singh Nagar, he said there was very little time left for the Lok Sabha session to be adjourned and he was not sure if the issue could be taken up.