• Siachen martyr's mother urges ending Agniveer scheme

    National
    Siachen martyr's mother urges ending Agniveer scheme
    Manju Singh highlighted the discussions around the army and the controversial Agnipath scheme, echoing concerns raised by Rahul Gandhi in Parliament about its treatment of soldiers and advocating for equitable policies.


    Digital Desk: The mother of Captain Anshuman Singh on Tuesday who was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, expressed her plea to the Centre to discontinue the Agniveer scheme for temporary recruitments in the Indian Army.

    Speaking in Rae Bareli after meeting Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and local MP, Manju Singh stated, "I humbly request the government to halt the Agniveer scheme. It spans four years and is not appropriate. Soldiers should continue to receive their pension, access to canteens, and all other entitlements."

    Captain Anshuman Singh, of the Army Medical Corps, 26th battalion, Punjab Regiment, tragically lost his life due to burn injuries sustained while attempting a rescue mission during a fire at Siachen. His widow, Smriti Singh, shared their poignant story, including their dreams and the abrupt separation caused by his posting to Siachen shortly after their marriage.

    Ravi Pratap Singh, the soldier's father, reflected on their meeting with Rahul Gandhi during the Investiture ceremony, noting their shared understanding of loss and empathy.

    Manju Singh highlighted the discussions around the army and the controversial Agnipath scheme, echoing concerns raised by Rahul Gandhi in Parliament about its treatment of soldiers and advocating for equitable policies.

    Recent controversies over compensation to families of fallen soldiers, including Agniveer Ajay Kumar, have underscored broader debates over the treatment of military personnel under such recruitment schemes, prompting calls for reform and fairness.