While India is manning 2 fronts, 1 in the Himalayan mountains on the Chinese border and 1 on the border with Pakistan, India has implemented a new military recruitment strategy which has sparked protests across the country.
India, which has one of the largest military forces in the world, is seeking more fit, healthy, younger troops. It's previous method was recruiting for all branches separately for up to 17 year enlistment for lower ranking soldiers. Their new system will be recruiting men and women between the ages of 17 - 21 for a maximum of 4 years.
It is being reported that this would in effect lower pension benefits for personnel which is the biggest portion of India's defense budget.
This is being opposed by several groups within India and protesting has broken out. The protest has gotten out of hand and shots have been fired in the air for crowd control. Mobile Internet was also temporarily turned off in the Palwal district, and in the Bihar state, a BJP office was set on fire in Nawada city. Along with this, railway property has also been subject to attack.
The biggest concern by protestors who had planned to spend their life in the military, are afraid that they will now be left homeless on the streets after 4 years of service.
Source #1 Reuters 1
Source #2 Reuters 2
Source #3 The Indian Express
Source India.com
India, which has one of the largest military forces in the world, is seeking more fit, healthy, younger troops. It's previous method was recruiting for all branches separately for up to 17 year enlistment for lower ranking soldiers. Their new system will be recruiting men and women between the ages of 17 - 21 for a maximum of 4 years.
It is being reported that this would in effect lower pension benefits for personnel which is the biggest portion of India's defense budget.
This is being opposed by several groups within India and protesting has broken out. The protest has gotten out of hand and shots have been fired in the air for crowd control. Mobile Internet was also temporarily turned off in the Palwal district, and in the Bihar state, a BJP office was set on fire in Nawada city. Along with this, railway property has also been subject to attack.
The biggest concern by protestors who had planned to spend their life in the military, are afraid that they will now be left homeless on the streets after 4 years of service.
Source #1 Reuters 1
Source #2 Reuters 2
Source #3 The Indian Express
Source India.com