PM Modi hits out at opposition for misleading people on Agniveer, virtually conducts 'first blast' of Shinkun La tunnel
- In Reports
- 08:28 PM, Jul 26, 2024
- Myind Staff
On July 26th, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the prominence of Agnipath scheme during his address in Kargil, Ladakh, commemorating the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. He emphasised that the scheme, designed to rejuvenate and modernise the Indian Army, represents a significant reform.
In his speech, PM Modi highlighted that the Agnipath scheme aims to make the Army younger and maintain its readiness for combat. He pointed out that major reforms in the Army have long been a pressing demand. “The country has recognised the need for substantial reforms in the defense sector for decades. The army has sought these changes for years, but they were not given sufficient attention earlier. The Agnipath scheme is an example of the essential reforms implemented in the Army. Discussions on modernizing the army have been ongoing in Parliament and various committees for decades,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi also responded to criticism of the Agnipath scheme, asserting, “Those who are misleading the youth of the country have a history of indifference towards soldiers. These are the same individuals who misrepresented the One Rank One Pension (OROP) by allocating a mere ₹500 crore. It is our government that has implemented the necessary provisions, providing over ₹1.25 lakh crore to ex-servicemen.”
He further emphasised that the Agnipath scheme addresses concerns about the average age of Indian soldiers, which is higher than the global average. “The higher average age of Indian soldiers compared to the global average has been a longstanding issue. This concern has been raised in numerous committees over the years, but previous administrations did not demonstrate the resolve to tackle this challenge. The Agnipath scheme is our government's response to this critical issue affecting national security,” he said.
PM Modi further stressed the Army’s role beyond ceremonial duties, “Some people used to view the Army as merely saluting politicians and performing parades. For us, the Army represents the trust of 140 crore countrymen. The aim of Agnipath is to make the Army younger and ensure it remains continuously fit for combat.”
He also criticised opposition parties for “politicising” a “sensitive issue related to national security.” He stated, “Unfortunately, some individuals have turned this crucial national security issue into a political battleground. They are engaging in the politics of deceit for their own gain, even on this army reform. These are the same people who weakened our Army through scams worth thousands of crores, obstructed the modernisation of our Air Force, and were preparing to scrap the Tejas fighter plane.”
PM Modi emphasised the defense reforms implemented over the past decade, stating, “In the last 10 years, we have prioritised defense reforms in the sector. Thanks to these reforms, our armed forces are now more capable and are becoming self-reliant!”
He further highlighted efforts to enhance domestic defense production, noting, “Today, a significant portion of defense procurement is allocated to the Indian defense industry. Moreover, 25 percent of the defense research and development budget has been earmarked for the private sector. As a result of these measures, India’s defense production has now surpassed ₹1.25 lakh crore.”
Earlier in the day, PM Modi virtually inaugurated the first blast of the Shinkun La Tunnel project in Kargil, Ladakh. The Shinkun La Tunnel, a 4.1-kilometer-long twin-tube tunnel to be built at an elevation of approximately 15,800 feet on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha Road, is designed to provide all-weather connectivity to Leh. Upon completion, it will be the highest tunnel in the world, significantly improving the movement of armed forces and equipment while fostering economic and social development in Ladakh.
PM Modi also paid tribute to the brave soldiers who lost their lives in the 1999 Kargil War by laying a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, Ladakh. Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on July 26, commemorates the successful Operation Vijay of 1999, during which Indian forces reclaimed strategic positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir that had been infiltrated by Pakistani soldiers and terrorists.
Image source: Dairy Excelsior
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