New Delhi, January 15, 2008 (DefenceIndia News Service)

Claiming that "some elements might take advantage of the political situation in Pakistan to infiltrate into India," a senior Army official on Tuesday asserted that the force was well-prepared to thwart any 'evil designs.'

Answering queries in this regard on the sidelines of the Army Day Investiture ceremony in Chennai, Lt Gen Noble Thamburaj, GOC-in-C, Southern Command, said the Army has to be extra prepared and extra cautious" as some elements might try to take advantage of the situation in Pakistan."

"The Army is prepared and we have taken all necessary precautions," he said.

Earlier, he gave away gallantry awards to 42 officers at the Officers' Training Academy at St Thomas Mount, with one of them being awarded posthumously.

PTI