By Sunil Sonkar
Mussoorie, 24 Feb: Colonel Ram Ratan Negi (Retd), State President of the Indian National Congress’s Sainik Cell, held a press conference at a local hotel in Mussoorie regarding a proposed statewide protest against the Agniveer scheme. At the press conference, he raised serious questions about the central government’s military recruitment scheme, calling it inimical to the youth and the army’s traditions. Colonel Negi stated that the Agniveer scheme could impact the long-term structure and discipline of the army. He argued that short-term recruitment would not only increase uncertainty about the future of soldiers but also impact the continuity of expertise and experience within the armed forces. He stated that a massive public awareness campaign would be launched across the state to protest the scheme by communicating with military families, veterans, and youth.
Referring to the late Bipin Rawat, the country’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), he said that he always advocated for a strong and modern army. Colonel Negi claimed that military reforms require extensive discussion and phased implementation to ensure that the morale of soldiers and national security are not adversely affected. He also alleged that adequate consultations were not held with youth, military experts, and veterans before implementing the plan. According to him, the future of a large number of youth could be at stake after four years of service, creating social and economic challenges. Colonel Negi stated that the issue would be raised through rallies and public meetings in various districts of the state. He also urged the state government to convey the sentiments of military families to the central government. Former soldiers and Congress workers present at the press conference also demanded a reconsideration of the plan. At the end, Colonel Negi stated that this movement is in the national interest and to safeguard the future of the youth, and it will be carried forward in a peaceful and democratic manner.
On this occasion, former MLA Jot Singh Gunsola, Lieutenant Gopal Gadiya, Alam Singh Rawat, City Congress President Amit Gupta, Tejpal Rauthan, Mahima Nanda, Dr RP Dhyani, Rajesh Pratap Mall, Mahesh Chand and many others were also present.
