Don't create issue, only interested should apply: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 19 2022:
Stating that the Agnipath Scheme is not meant for recruiting youth in the army forcefully, Chief Minister N Biren Singh has remarked that there is no need to create an issue over the scheme as only the interested candidates should apply, while those who are not interested need not join.
The CM made the statement while responding to questions from media persons during the flagging off function of an e rickshaws road show from Kangla here on Sunday.
Biren said that it is the job of opposition to protest, whether the matter they are protesting is good or not.
However, the Agnipath Scheme introduced by PM Narendra Modi offers the youth an opportunity to serve in the armed forces for 4 years after passing Class X and will be provided with a certificate equivalent to Class XII.
Those who have passed Class XII are also not kept idle.
The Agniveers would be then given priority during recruitment in police, IRB and MR in the state's context.
He then stressed the need for keeping the present political scenario in mind and strengthening the energetic defence force of the coun try, especially in view of the hostile India's neighbours Pakistan and China.
Asserting that the ongoing protests are being insti gated; Biren said that only those interested can apply.
It is strange for the agitation to take place when the scheme is not compulsory and the youth are not to be forcefully recruited.
If one does not want to join, they need not apply in the first place, he reasoned, while reiterating contending that there is no need to create an issue over the scheme.
Responding to a question on UCM 's caution of launching agitation if the Indo-Myanmar border fencing work is not halted by June 20; the CM stated that the border matter concerns the two neighbouring countries.
If the fencing cannot be carried out it will be halted for some time and continued after approval.
However, the people need to understand the merits and demerits of the losses suffered by fencing the borders or by continuing to search for solution in the fencing issue.
The current imbalance concerns the 390km stretch of the border area, which is free of any fencing.
People should try to comprehend the merit and demerit in this matter.
However, we will wait until all disputes are settled, he said, while assuring that work would continue after each issue is settled.