Antony again rubbishes 2012 coup rumours, says troop movement was routine training exercise

Reacting to a recent statement made by Lt.Gen. (retired) A.K. Choudhary that the alleged movement of two army columns towards national capital New Delhi in January 2012 had promoted distrust in civil-military relations, Defence Minister A.K Antony on Friday said the movement was just a routine training exercise, and that there was nothing wrong in it taking place.

"In 2012, I had said this three times in the parliament that it was just a routine training, and there was nothing wrong with it. The defense secretary had also given the same statement at that time," said Antony.

Two years after the reports of alleged movement of the two army columns towards Delhi, former Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt.Gen. (retired) A.K. Choudhary said that the level of distrust between the two entities was much more than what was reported in 2012.

Lt. Gen.Choudhary said the movement of the troops created concern at the highest level in the government, and he was asked to take the corrective steps and file a detailed report to the Centre at the earliest.

He added that the lack of communication, immaturity and growing distrust between the government and the army had triggered panic within the political establishment.