New Delhi: India is looking at setting up a separate theatre command for Jammu and Kashmir, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat said on Monday.

The air defence command is to be rolled out by the beginning of next year and the Peninsula command by the end of 2021, Gen Rawat told a select group of journalists.

The Indian Air Force will helm the air defence command and all-long range missiles as well as air defence assets will come under it, he said. "India is looking at setting up a separate theatre command for Jammu and Kashmir," Gen Rawat said.

Indian Navy's Eastern and Western commands will be integrated into the Peninsula command, he said. India will also have a separate training and doctrinal command and logistics command, he said .

He also favoured a policy of staggered procurement of big ticket purchases, including acquisition of 114 fighter jets.

The Navy's demand for a third aircraft carrier will be considered after assessing performance of indigenously-built aircraft carrier, he said.

Gen Rawat also said that submarines are a priority over aircraft carrier for the Navy. India is also looking at overseas bases for logistics, he added.

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Idukki (Kerala) (PTI): A 33-year-old man was allegedly murdered following a drunken brawl with his friend at Erattayar here, police said on Sunday.

The deceased has been identified as Rahul, a native of Erattayar.

Police have arrested his friend Sajayan in connection with the incident.

According to police, the incident occurred around 10.45 pm on Saturday near the old panchayat office in Erattayar.

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Rahul and Sajayan were engaged in painting work and had reportedly purchased liquor and consumed it together on Saturday night.

After consuming alcohol, a quarrel broke out between the two.

During the altercation, Sajayan allegedly assaulted Rahul and later strangled him, police said.

He then dragged Rahul to some distance before leaving the spot, police said.

Local residents who witnessed the incident alerted the police. Rahul was rushed to a hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries, officials said.

Police later took Sajayan into custody from his residence.

A case of murder has been registered by Kattappana police, and the accused will be produced before a court as part of remand proceedings, police added.