Govt may probe allegations made by Gen VK Singh: Sources

The Central government on Wednesday lashed out at former Army Chief General VK Singh over his allegation that the Army pays ministers in Jammu and Kashmir.

Also Read: Probe possible if Gen Singh names tainted ministers: Shinde

According to sources, the government is considering a probe into his claims. Meanwhile, two days after former Army Chief General VK Singh admitted that money from secret funds was used for paying politicians in Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday breaking his silence on the issue, said Gen Singh's remarks have dealt a blow on the credibility of his government.

The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said that the state government has taken up this issue with the Centre. Reacting for the first time over Gen Singh's remarks, Omar said accusations cannot be brushed aside, they require investigation.

General Singh in an interview to CNN-IBN on Monday had said money is essential to stabilise the youth in the terror struck area and to get them engaged in useful acts and it was given by the Army for this purpose. The admission by the combative former Army Chief General about the Army having given money to J&K politicians, however, kicked off a furore with politicians from various parties demanding answers from the general.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has so far defended the General also sounded its disapproval against his claims. "After these disclosures have been made, its India that comes out to be weaker. There could be a campaign against VK Singh but its a secondary issue. Bigger worry is national security," Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley had said.

Reacting to the admission by the General, the Union Home Ministry said that have not heard officially either from the J&K government or VK Singh. "We will take action if general gives us details of who was paid," Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said.