Asking the media to desist from
damaging the image of the Army, Defence Minister AK Antony has said all
the three Service Chiefs enjoy the confidence of the Government.
He was speaking at the seventh defence expo in national capital on Thursday.
His
remarks assume significance in the wake of controversy over leakage of a
letter written by Army Chief VK Singh to the Prime Minister. Antony
said intelligence Bureau has been asked to probe into the leak episode
and strongest action under laws will be taken after inquiry.
Defence
Minister said country needs substantial step up in allocation for
modernization of defence forces as its neighbours are modernizing their
defence force at a fast pace.
Speaking
on the alleged corruption in defence procurement, Antony said there is
policy of zero tolerance on corruption, and if the charges are proved he
would not hesitate to scrap the process.
He said the ministry has blacklisted six firms including four foreign firms on the recommendations of the CBI recently.
Meanwhile,
the Army Chief General VK Singh has said that the leak of his letter to
the Prime Minister on defence preparedness should be treated as “high
treason”.
In a brief statement released by Army Headquarters, General said his official communication with the Prime Minister and Defence Minister is a “Privileged” communication.
He
said the cynical approach to tarnish his reputation should stop and
sources of the leakage should be found and dealt with ruthlessly.
The
media leak of the letter came amid General’s media interview in which
he claimed that he was offered a bribe by a retired Lieutenant General
for swinging a sub-standard defence deal.
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