Ex-servicemen join ABVP, say Amnesty 'dividing' country

A section of retired army men on Sunday sought stern action against Amnesty International India (AII) representatives for organising ‘Broken Families’, an event on August 13 at the United Theological College (UTC) on Millers Road.

“The AII is organising  programmes against the Indian Army. The army men sternly oppose such events. Youths will not join the army if India and the army are projected in bad taste.

“Events like Broken Families affect unity and integrity of the country,” retired colonel Palani Raj said while addressing protesters at Anand Rao Circle.

“AII is receiving donations from abroad. AII representatives are luring local leaders to organise ‘Broken Families’ events and diving the country. The government should investigate the source of AII’s fundings.

Those who raised slogans against the Indian Army should be arrested immediately,” he urged.More than 50 retired army men visited Anand Rao Circle and expressed support to the protest.

Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers Ananth Kumar, retired DGP Shankar Bidari and actor Jaggesh also addressed protesters.

CBI enquiry

They sought a CBI enquiry into the case as Home Minister G Parameshwara said that there was no evidence against AII to establish the sedition charge.

ABVP national general secretary Vinay Bidare criticised Parameshwara for his statement that sedition charges might not be proved when the investigation was under progress.

“The ABVP has lodged a complaint with the police. The police should collect evidence. The police will surely get evidence if they arrest those who raised slogans against the Indian Army,” he said.