New Delhi, January 16, 2008 (DefenceIndia News Service)

Army Chief Gen Deepak Kapoor on Monday suggested the transfer of Lt Gen H S Panag from the post of Commander in Chief of the crucial northern army, which has sparked a controversy, was ordered in the interest of the force and a final decision rests with the government.

"I as the Chief of Army Staff made recommendations to the government which were made in the interest of the organisation. Beyond, this I will not like to say anything," Gen Kapoor said while replying to a question about the controversy over the move to shift Panag.

Asked whether this was an unprecedented practice in the Army and if the government had taken him into confidence when Gen Panag met Defence Minister A K Antony, the Army Chief said "I can only say that I was aware (of the Panag-Antony) meeting."

The issue was in domain of the government and they have to take a decision on this, he said.

Under the transfer proposal put up to the Ministry of Defence for approval of the Cabinet Committee on Appointments, Panag is to be moved as chief of Central Army Command. Its present incumbent Lt Gen O P Nadrajog retires on January 31.

Gen Panag, during his meeting with Antony, is believed to have briefed Antony about the details of the enquiry into the tent scam at Northern Command and other 22 cases during the period when Gen Kapoor was heading this formation of the army.

Lt Gen P C Bhardawaj, Corp Commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps, where too a number of scams are being probed, is likely to be made as the General Officer Commanding in Chief of Northern Command.

PTI