Chief of Indian Army General J J Singh has claimed that the law and order situation in the North-East is improving. General Singh, who is on his maiden visit to North-Eastern region as the Army Chief, said in view of the growing global coordination against terrorists, militancy all over the world, was bound to be neutralized and the North-East was no exception. The Army Chief also informed that there was growing coordination and increased sharing of intelligence between the Indian Army and its counterpart in neighbouring Myanmar. He, however, stated that as of date, there was no need for a joint operation against North-East militants taking shelter in Myanmar and a ''proper decision'' in this regard would be taken by the Government of India when the need arose.

Regarding militants finding sanctuary in neighbouring Bangladesh, General Singh said, ''Bangladesh is a friendly country and the Government of India has conveyed through diplomatic channels its concern over presence of NE militants in that country.'' Regarding the debate over continuation of the Armed Forces Special Power Act, 1958 in the context of North-East, he said the force needed such legal protection under the Constitution for effective operation against terrorists. 

Low intensity war against terrorists is a challenging job for the Army, which needed some kind of legal protection for it, he added. He also said that as the Army Chief, he would focus on modernisation of the forces. Widespread use of information technology in the operations would be a priority area. The response from the Government of India towards modernisation of the Army was very positive, General Singh said. Besides modernisation, focus will be on proper grooming of its men and their welfare, he added.

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