"Of the total 1,018 cases of armymen committing suicide, the maximum 129 such incidents took place in 2006," Defence Minister A K Antony told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply to a query.

This year till July, 62 cases of suicides were reported in the Army, while last year it was 102, he said.

"As per studies conducted by Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR), the major causes of suicides in Army are domestic problems, marital discord, stress and financial problems," Antony said.

He, however, declined that there is a sharp rise in suicides in the Army.

In reply to a question on enhancing the combat capabilities of the armed forces, Antony said, "Augmentation of combat capabilities of Armed Forces is an ongoing process based on operational requirements.

A Long Term Perspective Plan has been drawn in this regard."

On the status of Naresh Chandra Committee report which was set up to review the national security, the minister said, "The task force on National Security constituted by Government has submitted its recommendation."

The National Security Council Secretariat is conducting inter-ministerial consultations on recommendations of the Task Force, he said.

On cases of corruption regarding defence lands, he said, "At present seven cases of alleged corruption and irregularities regarding defence lands have been reported to the ministry." (MORE)