General S F Rodrigues, Former Air Chief N C Suri Deny Signing Letter To President Over ‘Politicization Of Army’

Former General S F Rodrigues along with former Air Force chief NC Suri today (12 April) denied that they ever signed a letter written by armed forces veterans to the President over politicisation of the army, reports ANI.

"Don’t know what it (letter) is all about. All my life, we have been apolitical. After 42 years as an officer, it's a little late to change. Always put India first. Don’t know who these people are, but this is a classic manifestation of fake news," said General Rodrigues (retired).

An alleged letter which was purported to be signed by three former Army Chiefs, four Navy Chiefs and a retired Air Chief, besides several other veterans, was found to be doing rounds in the social media over the last few days.

It appealed to the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces (The President) to step in to prevent the misuse of the military for "political gains.”

However, the President’s office has also confirmed that it has not received any such letter.

"No, my consent has not been taken for any such letter. I don’t agree with whatever has been written. We have been misquoted," said former Air Force chief NC Suri.

“I do not endorse the views. The armed forces are apolitical and my view is that they are to serve with the democratically elected government of the day,” Suri added to Economic Times (ET).