The Hindu : Military manoeuvres planned in May

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Apr 30, 2002

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Military manoeuvres planned in May

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI APRIL 29. The armed forces are beginning advanced manoeuvres on the western border this week. The movement in which the Army and the Air Force are expected to practise jointness is part of the month-long exercises planned during May.

Defence Ministry officials said no special meaning should be attached as such manoeuvres were routinely carried to keep the services in fighting fettle.

For instance, the Air Force carried out manoeuvres in February. Also, exercises on the western border were normally carried out at this time of the year.

Operation Pooran Vijay was also conducted in May last year, they pointed out while declining suggestions that it had been code named Operation Parakram - II.

Analysts, however, attach a deeper significance to the exercises since they come at a time when the two armies have been in an eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation since late last year.

Also, the exercises are scheduled to begin at a time when the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf's referendum campaign is in its last lap.

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