Morris Janowitz, in his book The Professional Soldier: A Soldier and Political Portrait, has emphasised that ‘civilian leadership includes not only the political direction of the military but the prevention of the growth of frustration in the profession, of felt injustice, and inflexibility under the weight of its responsibilities.’ If we wish to maintain good civil military relations to optimise national security, our political leaders must realise this important responsibility and ensure that (a) there is no feeling of frustration or injustice in the military profession, and (b) that the armed forces are not politicised.

The writer is former Chief of the Army Staff, and is associated with Observer Research Institute, New Delhi