Over 150 military vets write to Prez over "politicisation of the armed forces"

New Delhi: Over 150 military veterans, including eight former chiefs, expressed their concern over "politicisation of the armed forces" in a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind, on Friday.

In the letter, the ex-army-men objected to politicians using army operations for political campaigns, and "taking credit" for military operations, pictures of party workers wearing military uniforms and political posters with pictures of soldiers, especially of Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

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In their letter to president the veterans also expressed concern over Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath referring to the armed forces as "Modiji ki Sena" during an election campaign rally.

It is to be mentioned that Election Commission had promptly responded to complaints made against the use of armed forces for the political gain and not only had warned Yogi Adityanath from making such remarks on army but also ordered to scrap down all posters with an image of any armed force used for political campaigning.

And now former Army chief General SF Rodrigues denies signing this letter — he’s the first name on the list! Amazing. pic.twitter.com/Q3UlGc7TSs

— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) April 12, 2019

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The veterans, however, still doubt that such measures will succeed to stop political parties from using army for their self-interest. They also said that even though EC has launched strict rules but they have failed to bring about any substantive change of behaviour and practice on the ground.

The veterans added that they believe that in the wake of the Lok Sabha polls such incidences are only going to increase.

"We believe that you will surely agree that any such misuse of the Armed Forces established under the Constitution of India and under the supreme command of the President of India, would impinge adversely on the morale and fighting efficiency of the serving man and woman in Uniform," the letter said.

The veterans not only urged the President to help preserve the "secular and a-political" character of the Armed Forces but also asked to discourage such conducts as it can mar the national security and integrity of the country.

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