Image Source: TRIBUNE

India’s armed forces are at the cusp of transformation, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat said on Wednesday, noting that proxy war and cross-border terrorism remained the key security challenges facing India.

Gen Rawat also rejected criticism that the armed forces are suppressing the rights of the people in Jammu and Kashmir, saying required steps are being taken considering ground realities and threats of terrorism.

Asked about his controversial comments that India had de-radicalization camps, he said what he meant was the classification of people based on their views and the impact of relentless efforts to de-radicalize young people.

“When I said camps -- I meant groups of people,” he said.