The Army Chief, Gen Bikram Singh has made it clear that no controversy in the force will be brushed under the carpet. Sending a firm message to his 1.3 million force, Gen. Singh said, he will strive to maintain its secular and apolitical outlook.

He was asked to spell out his message to the army amid reports suggesting factional feuds at senior levels, a new low in civil military relationship and corruption allegations.

On allegations of a fake encounter in northeast and recent clash between officers and jawans in Ladakh, alleged misconduct of jawans in UN mission in Congo, Gen. Singh said all these cases would be dealt as per the rule book.

He said this in his first public comments after taking charge of the force from Gen V K Singh yesterday. The new Army Chief was given a guard of honour at South Block as he assumed charge of office today.