Delhi’s Jantar Mantar witnessed the commencement of a four-day protest led by the AICC ex-servicemen department, demanding the recruitment of individuals selected in the defense forces prior to the implementation of the Agnipath scheme. The inaugural day saw a turnout of over 300 participants, according to organizers.
Colonel (Retd.) Rohit Chaudhry, representing the ex-servicemen department of the AICC, highlighted the plight of approximately 1.5 lakh youths who had been selected for defense force recruitment before the introduction of the Agnipath scheme.
These individuals, having completed all required formalities and qualifying for final selection, are still awaiting their joining, despite continuous appeals to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Chaudhry criticized the government, accusing it of toying with the emotions of these youths who have been waiting for their joining for the past three to four years. He revealed that over 60 lakh youths underwent physical examinations, with 1.5 lakh being selected for recruitment nationwide. However, these individuals were never called for the written examination.
The retired Colonel alleged that a delegation of these youths previously met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who pledged to conduct the written examination promptly. However, no progress has been made since then, implying that such promises are mere rhetoric.
Chaudhry disclosed that the disillusioned youths initiated a foot march (‘paidal march’) from Bihar’s Champaran to Delhi on October 24 last year. Despite expecting a larger turnout for the protest at Jantar Mantar, several participants were halted due to the Budget Session. However, those present at the site are committed to peaceful demonstration, demanding their rightful joining.
Chaudhry emphasized the need for a permanent army, opposed to the four-year contractual army proposed under the Agnipath scheme, citing the extensive borders India shares with neighboring countries. He noted that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, during his ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra,’ empathized with the concerns of these 1.5 lakh youths and assured them that the scheme would be revoked if his party assumes power in 2024.
Additionally, another protester highlighted a prior protest held on January 11 and 12 at Jantar Mantar, underlining the ongoing nature of their struggle.
(With PTI inputs)
