Antony defends Army, says no possibility of military coup ever

Kochi, Feb 23: Seeking to put a lid on fresh controversy over movement of two army units near Delhi in 2012, Defence Minister

on Sunday said

is a responsible force which obeys the civilian government's decisions and in no circumstances there will be a

in the country.

"In no circumstances there will be a military coup in India. Since the last seven years I have been associated with the Indian defence forces-- those in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard with not only with those on top but the ordinary jawans and personnel on the border region also.

"I can say one thing with conviction. Indian military is a responsible force. While the military takes decisions on operations, it obeys all policy matters taken by the civilian government. There is no need for any concern," Antony told reporters here on the sidelines of a Coast Guard Investiture ceremony here.

The so called movement of army was a "routine training exercise" only. It is a 'closed chapter", he said.

He was replying to a query on the fresh controversy that erupted on the movement of two army units near Delhi two years ago with the then DGMO Lt Gen A K Choudhary stating that there may have been "distrust" between the Army and government on the issue.

"There is no need for any worry. There is no possibility of a military coup. I have full faith in the military and there is no remote possibility of a coup," Antony said.

The revelation was "not new". In 2012, Antony said, he had given replies to Parliament three times-- twice for starred questions and once on an unstarred query, he said adding it was there in Parliament records.

PTI