Cong reignites Agniveer debate; J&K Parliamentary Affairs Committee pushes resolution to stop scheme

The Congress party has once again flared up the ‘Agniveer’ debate. The party's Jammu and Kashmir Unit has passed a resolution seeking the cancellation of the Agniveer Scheme.

The Parliamentary Affairs Committee of the Congress J&K Unit, which met yesterday, has passed a multiple-point political resolution demanding immediate stoppage of the Narendra Modi government's Agniveer Scheme.

The resolution, passed by the Congress party, reads that the Agniveer Scheme for Army recruitment should be stopped immediately. The resolution further says that recruitment drives for regular army and paramilitary forces should be initiated at the earliest. These should ensure substantial inclusion of youth from marginalised areas, including those near the borders and control lines.

BJP slams Congress creating controversy around Agniveer Scheme

The Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) has slammed the Congress party for raking up the issue time and again, even when the Scheme is running smoothly for the welfare of the country and defence forces. 

BJP Spokesperson Abhijeet Jasrotia said the Agniveer Scheme, which is a commendable initiative by the Indian Army, is aimed at bolstering the nation's defence forces. It has unfortunately become entangled in the web of political maneuvering, with the Congress party at the forefront of attempts to politicise a critical national security endeavour.

"The historical context is glaring, with the Congress party, known for its divisive stance, now accused of undermining the very essence of the Agniveer Scheme,” he emphasized.

“Instances where the party questioned the credibility of significant military operations, such as the Balakot air strike and Uri surgical strike, resurface, raising concerns about the Congress party’s commitment to national security,” said Jasrotia.

“It is crucial to recognise its inherent value in instilling discipline and preparing individuals for contemporary global challenges. However, the Congress party's actions threaten to divert attention from the scheme's fundamental purpose, focussing instead on petty political gains," he added.

The Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the Congress, headed by Tariq Hameed Karra, has also taken a stance other than that of the I.N. D. I. Alliance partners like National Conference and People's Democratic Party in Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference and the PDP have shown their disagreement with the Supreme Court of India’s decision on Article 370. They said they will promote democratic and constitutional thinking in collaboration with other like-minded political parties at the central level for the welfare of the public. 

"Additionally, ensuring the security of land, jobs, natural resources, culture, and linguistic identity of people in line with the provisions of Article 371 for the benefit of those following a similar status as the northeastern states should be prioritised," read the Congress PAC resolution.

The other resolutions passed by the Congress advocated for Jammu and Kashmir, currently a Union Territory, to regain its status as a state and conduct the long-awaited assembly elections. 

It was also put forth that the government should proceed with the ULB (Urban Local Body) and Panchayat elections under the supervision of the State Election Commission (SEC) without any further delay. 

The party resolution has also demanded immediate implementation of women's reservation within the PRI (Panchayati Raj Institutions) at par with the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) reservations.

The Congress also demanded the prompt revival of the traditional Darbar Move. The Darbar Move was the bi-annual shift of the secretariat and all government offices of Jammu and Kashmir from one capital city to another, operational from 1872 to 2021.