Mired in a controversy over his age, Army Chief Gen V K Singh today said the issue was that of "integrity and honour" for him, but decried the "spins" being
given in the media to the matter.

 He maintained that he had tackled the issue in the "organisational interest" and the matter was not affecting the image of the Army if considered in a straight forward manner. "The issue has always been, I am emphasising it, the issue has always been that of integrity and honour," Gen Singh said at a press conference here when asked about the row over his date of birth. Gen Singh had two sets of dates in the official records -- May 10, 1950 and May 10, 1951, leading to the controversy. 

He has been contending that May 10, 1951 should be treated as his actual date of birth as it was mentioned in his matriculation certificate but the Defence Ministry has rejected it as May 10, 1950 is the date entered in his UPSC entrance form.By the government decision, he will retire on May 31 this year.

As study in contrasts: The Indian army chief is in the news over an age controversy, the Pakistan army chief for anti-government rant and a severe rap on the knuckles.