Congress men protest against Agnipath

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 18

The city units of the Congress, the Youth Congress and the NSUI today flayed the recently launched Agnipath scheme by the Ministry of Defence, wherein youth from 17.5 years to 21 years (now 23 years) of age will be recruited in the armed forces on a four-year contractual basis.

City Congress president Harmohinder Singh Lucky stated that the scheme, which was being implemented to save just a small amount of money, might have adverse implications on the national security. He said the Indian armed forces was one of the best in the world due to its robust recruitment and professional training system.

Manoj Lubana, president, Chandigarh Youth Congress, said, “The Agneepath scheme is a cruel joke on the youth. Recruitment in the armed forces should be viewed with patriotism and not employment. There should be no politics on this. The youth are protesting against the scheme. IT was totally unfair to rain lathis on protesting youth and arresting them.”

He added, “Youths join the Army not for employment, but imbued with the spirit of patriotism and service to the country, they are ready to sacrifice their lives for the country. The Congress stands in solidarity with the youth.”

The Congress urged the Union Government to shelve the scheme, which was causing panic and unrest among the youth across the length and breadth of the country.

Meanwhile, Congress leaders were detained when they tried to march towards the Governor’s House. They were taken to the Sector 26 police station where they were released.

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