Fears of Agniveers being mercenaries for hire are completely unfounded: NSA Ajit Doval on Agnipath

Doval urged the youth to express their grievances peacefully in an interview with news agency ANI, and called for an investigation into the suspected role of coaching centers in encouraging violent rallies. The NSA also disputed concerns that Agnipath recruits, known as Agniveers, might become mercenaries for hire if they were not enrolled into the Army, Navy, or Air Force after their four-year stint.

“There is no question of any rollback. My message to the youth who want to become Agniveers is be positive, have faith in the nation, have faith in the leadership and also in yourself,” he said.

Condemning arson and destruction of public property in the name of protests, Doval said: “I think that the protests, raising your voice is justified and is permitted in a democracy. But this vandalism, this violence is not permitted and will not be tolerated at all.”

“It was the political will,” Doval remarked, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the plan. Who will dare to enter the fray in order to effect change? Only a leader like Prime Minister Modi can make this happen. He’ll remark that if it’s in the national interest, “no risk is too great, and no cost is too high.”

When asked about coaching centres’ apparent role in inciting kids to oppose the system, Doval demanded a probe. “After a thorough investigation, we will be able to identify the perpetrators. An investigation must be conducted, and it must be thorough.” 

He also disputed concerns that Agniveers who are not kept in the Army, Navy, or Air Force following Agnipath’s four-year mandate will become hired guns. “It’s completely false.” “I can tell you that if the society is to maintain peace and stability, the civilian population will have to become law-abiding,” Dova added.

The programme, according to the NSA, will not jeopardise the Army’s regimental pride. “There are two things to keep in mind when it comes to regimens. The concept of regiments isn’t being tinkered with… They (regiments) will keep going… The regimental system is still in place.”