Army paid J&K politicians for events to promote harmony, not bribe, says General VK Singh

New Delhi: Former army chief VK Singh today sought to explain his controversial comment that the Army pays money to ministers in Jammu and Kashmir to maintain peace and stability in the state.

"This money wasn't for their personal use or political reasons. It was not a bribe. It was meant to organise events to win the hearts and minds of people and get them away from separatist propaganda," the former chief said, also emphasising that every paisa was accounted for. (Read: Highlights of General VK Singh's press conference)

The General had said in a TV interview yesterday that paying ministers was nothing new in Jammu and Kashmir and that it was a means to "get people together in Kashmir." He was reacting to allegations that an Army report says a secret intelligence unit set up by him had funded a minister to topple the National Conference-led government. The minister, Ghulam Hasan Mir, has denied the allegation.

Today General Singh said, "People who say this was my private army, should dispel that thought. I didn't command 100 people. I commanded the 13 lakh strong Indian Army."

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His comments have caused a furore. "Name the politicians," said Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde this morning. "If details are given, we can investigate," he said.

Jammu and Kashmir's ruling National Conference slammed General Singh and called for a CBI probe into his claim. "(General Singh) has made a terrible statement. It must be investigated - which ministers were paid by the army, for what work," said National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah. "The army has nothing to do with the funding of political parties. The army should be kept apolitical."

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General Singh has alleged that the Army report on the secret unit has been leaked to the media to "put other burning issues on the backburner." He said, "People who leaked these reports should be investigated - this is treason."

The BJP has accused the Centre of targeting the former army chief for sharing the stage with Narendra Modi at a public rally on September 15. The event led to speculation that General Singh is on the verge of joining the BJP.