Punjab Students’ Union (Lalkar) protest Agnipath

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 22

A protest demonstration led by members of the Punjab Students’ Union (Lalkar) was staged against the Centre at Putlighar Chowk here for the cancellation of Agnipath scheme. In support to students and youth of other states, the students of GNDU took out a protest march from Putlighar to Balmiki Chowk.

Sumit Singh from the Tarksheel Society, Gurbachan Singh from BKU Ugrahan and Gurpreet Singh from Punjab Students’ Union (Lalkar) addressed the protesters. The union leaders said the decision taken by the BJP government to recruit military and paramilitary forces under the Agnipath scheme was anti-people.

“The Agnipath scheme will recruit youngsters between the age of 17 and 21 for four years but after that they will be laid off and sent home. There is no provision for their livelihood, no pension and allowances or any other benefits provided by the government. The Centre has been pushing for a reduction in the defence budget. But in order to reduce the burden, the sword is being hung on the people, who are already cutting the gaps,” said Gurpreet Singh.

Sumit Singh said many youngsters from poor families go to the Army for permanent employment due to hardships or family compulsions. “For the last two years, regular military recruitment has been stalled. The dreams of those, who were waiting for recruitment, have been shattered by the Centre. Now, these youngsters are over 21-year-old. Through Agnipath, the government intends to kick the employment of these youth and recruit raw and contract servicemen,” he said.

They also raised questions over the policies of privatisation-liberalisation by the government.

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