Parrikar rules out army deployment in anti-Naxal operations

Ruling out the possibility of deploying the Indian Army in anti-Naxal operations, Defence Minister Manohar Parrkar on Wednesday said if demanded, armed forces would extend "logistical support" and "provide training" to police in tackling the menace.

"Foreigners are not involved in it (naxal movement). We use army where outside forces are involved. We use army against terrorists in Kashmir," Parrikar told reporters in response to a query on whether army would be roped against growing naxalism in Chhattisgarh.

The minister, however, added, "We can provide training and logistical support (to the paramilitary and local police) if demanded."

Parrikar was in the state capital to inaugurate Jankalyan Mela, an exhibition-cum-fair showcasing the achievements of Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government in the past one year.

Meanwhile, responding to Congress' criticism that the Centre was not taking a stand on 'One Rank-One Pension' policy, Parrikar said his government has made a concrete framework over it and it would be rolled out soon.

"Earlier (during the United Progressive Alliance rule) only assurances were given in this direction. For the first time it's us, who have made a concrete framework over OPOR scheme. Congress claimed that they had made provision of fund of Rs 500 crore. Then how did it lapse?" he said.

The defence ministry has forwarded a proposal in this direction which is more or less acceptable to everyone and very soon it would be declared, he added.

Reacting to Congress' 'suit-boot ki sarkar' jibe against the Modi government, Parrikar took a dig at Rahul Gandhi over his 56-days sabbatical.

"A government should not be judged by its clothing, but it should be judged by its activities. He (Rahul) should tell what he was doing for 56 days in Thailand and what clothes he was wearing over there," he said.

Replying to a question on Rafale fighter jets deal with France, the minister said, "I would not like to comment on it unless everything is finalised."

On Congress' opposition to the land acquisition bill, he said, "Congress has been shouting much over the land acquisition bill. If you look at the UPA rule, they gave thousands of acres of farmers' land in Congress ruled states to private developers at throwaway prices in the name of special economic zones."

"An atmosphere of anger was created (among farmers) after that and to cover that they brought land acquisition bill ahead of the election. It was like 'sau chuhe kha ke billi haj ko chali' (after eating hundred rats, a cat goes to pilgrimage)," he said.

Listing out various initiatives taken by the Modi government like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Beti Bachao Abhiyaan, pension schemes, the Union minister said this government has laid the country's foundation in a short span of one year.

He also slammed Congress stating that economy had gone down and development had come to a halt during the ten years of the UPA rule.

Meanwhile, he assured Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh that a project under the defence ministry would be brought to the state by the end of this year.