Key Highlights:
- Rahul Gandhi meets the parents of Captain Anshuman Singh, who was martyred in Siachen last year.
- The parents appreciated Gandhi’s gesture and discussed the controversial Agniveer scheme.
- Gandhi promised to work towards ending the Agniveer scheme.
Meeting Overview:
On Tuesday, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi met with the parents of Captain Anshuman Singh, who tragically lost his life in Siachen in 2022. Singh’s parents, Manju and Ravi Pratap Singh, expressed their gratitude for Gandhi’s visit and voiced their concerns about the Agniveer scheme, which they hope will be abolished.
Captain Anshuman Singh’s Heroic Act:
Captain Anshuman Singh served in the Army Medical Corps’ 26th Battalion of the Punjab Regiment and was stationed in Siachen during Operation Meghdoot. On July 19, 2023, a severe fire broke out at the Chandan Dropping Zone in Siachen. Captain Singh played a crucial role in rescuing people trapped in the blaze. Tragically, while attempting to save others at the medical investigation center, he lost his life.
Parents’ Concerns and Gandhi’s Response:
Manju Singh, Captain Anshuman Singh’s mother, praised Rahul Gandhi for his empathy and dedication to soldiers’ welfare. She shared that Gandhi is committed to ending the Agniveer scheme, a contentious tour of duty recruitment program approved by the Centre on June 14, 2022. This scheme hires soldiers for a four-year period, a decision that has faced criticism for its lack of consultation and public debate.
“I have heard Rahul speaking in Parliament and wanted to meet him once. So we got an appointment in Rae Bareli,” said Manju Singh. She added that the Agniveer scheme is not suitable for the army, and Gandhi assured them he would work towards abolishing it.
Ravi Pratap Singh, Captain Anshuman Singh’s father, also appreciated Gandhi’s visit, describing him as a good person. “Rahul Gandhi told us that the sacrifice made by martyr Anshuman Singh, the entire country will be indebted to him, and the Congress party is proud of my son. He also told us that the Congress stands firmly with my family,” he said.
Gandhi’s Further Activities:
During his visit, Rahul Gandhi also toured the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to inspect the facilities. Later, he paid his respects at the Kisan Shahid memorial.
Conclusion:
Rahul Gandhi’s meeting with Captain Anshuman Singh’s parents underscores his commitment to addressing the concerns of military families and highlights the ongoing debate around the Agniveer scheme. The emotional meeting served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers and the need for continued support and recognition of their contributions.
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