Could Mandatory Military Training Prevent Civil Unrest in India?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pannalal Shakya warns of potential civil unrest in India.
- Calls for mandatory military training for youth aged 18 to 30.
- Emphasizes the need for preparedness against regional instability.
- Remarks made during a sports event in Guna.
- Protests in Nepal highlight the urgency of political stability.
Guna, Sep 12 (NationPress) BJP MLA Pannalal Shakya addressed a state-level sports event in Madhya Pradesh's Guna, expressing concerns that India might face internal turmoil similar to crises in neighboring nations. He proposed mandatory military training for youth aged 18 to 30 across the country.
During the closing ceremony of the 69th State-Level Judo Boxing Championship and a scooter distribution event for top-performing Class 12 students from government schools, Shakya stated, "Countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have faced chaos. If we don’t equip our youth, India risks descending into civil conflict."
The legislator urged district authorities to submit his written proposal to the Union Home and Defence Ministries, advocating for the immediate introduction of military training for young citizens.
"We need to act with urgency. If unrest arises tomorrow, who will be prepared? I firmly believe this is a possibility," he added.
Shakya's comments were made during a broader discussion on national security at the Government Excellence School's Nodal Sports Centre.
While he acknowledged the significance of sports and India's ambition to be a 'Vishwa Guru' (world leader), he emphasized that ensuring the nation's stability is paramount.
Pointing to regional instability, he remarked, "Lanka is on fire, there was a coup in Bangladesh, Afghanistan is in disarray, terrorism is rampant in Pakistan, and Nepal has recently faced collapse. Now, all eyes are on India."
Shakya further cautioned that without proper preparation, even students receiving scooters could be at risk.
"If we aren't vigilant, someone could easily take their scooters," he told the District Magistrate directly.
The remarks have ignited discussions about their implications, although no official response has been made by the state or central government.
In Nepal, 'Gen Z' protesters have nominated former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim Prime Minister amidst massive student-led protests against the government for alleged corruption and neglect of public welfare.
The violent protests have resulted in significant unrest, marking the worst political turmoil in decades, with at least 19 casualties and over 300 injuries due to police actions.