We can also build capabilities in Sikkim -Antony

N Delhi:
Source:IBN Live
On the military infrastructure build up by China along its boundary with India, the Defence Minister said, "We have a two-fold approach in this regard under which the Government was holding dialogue with them and on the other hand it was increasing its defence capabilities in the border areas. "If China can strengthen its capabilities in Tibet, then we can also build capabilities in Sikkim and Arunchal Pradesh." Observing that the country was living in a "volatile and dangerous" neighbourhood, Antony said, "No one can predict the situation that is going to happen here tomorrow. What will be the situation in Afghanistan, no one can predict or tell that. We cannot predict the political future of some of our neighbouring countries." On Gen Singh's letter to the Prime Minister highlighting the shortages of ammunition and obsolete air defence equipment, Antony said Army Chiefs writing to the Prime Minister was not a new thing as this had happened during the time of first Prime Minister also. "I am not saying this as a justification. We have to make every effort to do away with shortage of certain types of ammunition and shortage of officers," he said. Antony admitted that the Government has "failed" to procure a new artillery howitzer for the Army after over 25 years but said it was in final stages of doing so before the Singapore Technologies was blacklisted "for being engaged in corrupt practices". He said the Government will now discuss the Saraswat Committee report on Ultra Light Howitzers (ULH) procurement in the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for discussing the deviations in the trial procedures.