New Delhi, Jan 13

 Army chief General Bikram Singh Monday said the armed forces need to stay in Kashmir "under the present circumstances".

He also said there is "zero tolerance" for human rights violations in the army.

"Armed forces need to stay on in Kashmir under the present circumstances," General Singh said at the annual press conference of the army.

"We should wait for conditions to improve before making changes to the national strategy regarding the army deployment in Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

He added: "There is zero tolerance towards human rights violation... Our rules of engagement are based on those followed by a civilised society."

Asked about the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Gen Singh said, "The military viewpoint (on AFSPA) is that we have to wait for some time to monitor the situation. A decision will be taken only after that."

By:IANS