New Delhi, Jan 21 (IANS) Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar Wednesday defended the sacking of DRDO chief Avinash Chander, saying his appointment was done in a “strange manner”.

The minister also said that young scientists were required in the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

“Let me be very clear. The appointment was done in a strange manner. In May 2013, during the last government’s tenure, a three-year contract was given and it said (that) after retirement he will automatically be on contract with same powers,” Parrikar said on the sidelines of an event at the NCC Republic Day parade ground here.

The minister added that he did not doubt the integrity of Chander.

“I think this is a call which I need to have taken, and I took the call… Nothing beyond that. (There is) no question mark on the person. I am not ready to do (that)… I have had a short tenure with him, who am I to do it?

“But I thought that at 64, a person probably thinks in a more cautious way. The scientist world today requires probably a much younger generation.”

The appointments committee of the cabinet (ACC) last week approved the termination of Chander’s contract with effect from Jan 31 following a recommendation by the defence minister.

Chander retired Nov 30, 2014 but went on contract for 18 months till May 31, 2016.