Antony says, No doubt about armed forces' patriotism

Defence Minister A.K. Antony has said that there is no need of doubt about the patriotism of the armed forces and it was just a usual movement of the reported two-army units towards Delhi in January.

Antony rejected all the charges in which it was reported that army movement was doubtful and it was without informing the defence ministry.

He said that it is completely baseless charge and in fact all the exercise was natural and usual. We are absolute sure of the partriotism of the Indian armed forces and no doubt can be done, he added.

It is noted that it was reported that Hisar based Mechanised Indantry and elements from a unit of the airborne 50 Para Brigade based in Agra had moved towards the capital. It had been said that entire movement took place on the night of 16 January and without following the standard operating procedure of informing the defence ministry in advance. (With input from IANS)