Military must be kept away from politics: Army Chief

New Delhi: The military should be kept away from politics, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a seminar here, Rawat said: "Of late we have been seeing that politicisation of military has been taking place.

"We operate in a very secular manner. We have a vibrant democracy, where the military should stay far away from the polity."

"Defence forces in India will do well if they remain above (politics). Where they are expected to remain, and do not meddle with politics..." he said.

Asked later what his statement meant, the Army chief said it was a clear statement and refused to elaborate any further.