Army Chief General Bikram Singh on Monday said that India reserves its right to retaliate against Pakistan at a time and place of its choice and won't remain passive when it is attacked.

Talking to media persons, ahead of Indo-Pak Flag Meeting, he said that New Delhi will lodge a strong protest against the unprovoked firing from across the Line of Control by Pakistan soldiers.

General Singh added that India will uphold the ceasefire as long as the adversary upholds it. He said that he expects his commanders on the LoC to be aggressive and they must understand that the Army hierarchy is behind them.

Conveying deep condolences to the families of soldiers who were killed, General Singh said that Pakistan has done this against the ethics of soldierism. He also called the killing as gruesome and unpardonable act.

He refuted allegations made by Pakistani Army that Indian Army conducted operation at LoC on 6th of this month.

Asserting that Armed Forces Special Powers Act should not be diluted in Jammu and Kashmir as it is an enabling Act for soldiers operating in challenging environment. Mr. Singh also said demilitarization in the state must be carried out only after consideration of views of all stakeholders.