The Hindu : Front Page : IAF must have safeguards in place first, says Antony

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Sunday, Oct 11, 2009
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IAF must have safeguards in place first, says Antony

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Defence Minister A.K. Antony said the Indian Air Force will have to put in place safeguards and operational details before it gets the go-ahead from the government to fire in self-defence at naxalites.

“After carefully preparing safeguards and operational details for self-defence, we will give operational clearance. The IAF will be informed when we give permission,” the Minister said on the sidelines of an international flight safety conference here.

The Minister said the government did not want to use the IAF for combat operation and that there was no proposal to deploy armed forces in anti-naxalite operations.

The government, he asserted, was clear that internal security remained the primary responsibility of the State governments and the para-military and the Centre would extend them required assistance.

“Curb terror groups”

Responding to a question on the developments in Kabul and Rawalpindi, the Minister said Pakistan should apply its mind sincerely to the task of acting against terror groups operating from its soil, in its own interest.

“India is telling always that unless Pakistan acts sincerely [against terrorists] there is no solution. Still they are not sincere. That is the problem,” Mr. Antony said.

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