Assam Chief Minister Pledges to Absorb Agniveers into State Police Force

Guwahati, July 27, 2024 – In a show of support for the Agnipath Scheme, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the state government will integrate most Agniveers from Assam into the Assam Police force. The announcement was made via a post on the social media platform X.

Sarma expressed Assam's commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of modernizing the Indian Army. He condemned the Opposition's attempts to undermine the scheme, stating, "Bharat will ensure Opposition’s mission - to weaken the Indian Army by spreading lies on #AgnipathScheme - is defeated." He reiterated the state's proactive stance in ensuring the welfare of Agniveers, thereby contributing to both state security and national defense modernization.

The announcement comes amid heightened political tensions surrounding the Agnipath Scheme. On July 26, during the Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Modi's remarks about the scheme. Kharge accused the Prime Minister of engaging in “petty politics” during a solemn occasion meant to honor the martyrs of the Kargil War. “It is very unfortunate and deplorable that PM Narendra Modi-ji is doing petty politics even on occasions like paying tribute to martyrs on Kargil Vijay Diwas. No Prime Minister has ever done this before,” Kharge stated.

During his visit to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, PM Modi defended the Agnipath Scheme and accused the Opposition of politicizing national security issues. “The Agnipath scheme is also an example of the necessary reforms done by the Army… Unfortunately, some people have made such a sensitive issue related to national security a subject of politics. These are the same people who weakened our Army by committing scams worth thousands of crores,” Modi said.

Kharge countered by accusing the PM of “spreading lies” and highlighted that former Army Chief General MM Naravane had indicated that 75% of recruits were to be retained permanently. He claimed that the implementation of the scheme deviated from its initial plans and was enforced without proper alignment.

Sarma’s announcement underscores Assam's significant role in supporting national security initiatives and modernizing defense forces. By absorbing Agniveers into the state police, Assam aims to ensure the welfare of these young recruits and bolster the state’s security apparatus.

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