January 22, 2002

MOVE OF LT GEN KAPIL VIJ

    Reports on the change of Command of the 2 Corps, as appearing in a section of Media are speculative and totally incorrect.

    Lt Gen Kapil Vij, a professionally competent officer, who enjoys the complete confidence of his superiors, was given the prestigious Command of the elite 2 Corps and having completed the normal command tenure was due for the next tenure. Lt Gen BS Thakur, was already earmarked to take over the command of 2 Corps after the turn over of Lt Gen Kapil Vij as per the normal practice.

    Lt Gen Kapil Vij requested for annual leave due to pressing personal reasons. In view of the prevailing security environment, it was not desirable to keep the formation without a GOC and therefore Lt Gen BS Thakur was moved on attachment to HQ 2 Corps, pending formal approval of his posting from the Ministry of Defence.

    Speculations that the General Officer was shifted due to external pressure or directions of the PMO are totally baseless.