Bajrang Dal holds counter-terror training camp with 'enemies' in Islamic uniform
The organisation held the first 'counter-terror training camp' in Ayodhya on May 10 but the 'drills' shot into the limelight only on Monday after videos of the rigorous training sessions went viral.
In Short
- Bajrang Dal gears up to protect country from terrorists
- Military training imparted to Bajrang Dal cadre
- Muslim clerics severely criticised the training
The Bajrang Dal, the youth wing of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), is gearing up to 'protect' the country from the persistent militant threat. For this, the organisation is imparting military training to its cadre and 'preparing' them to fight terrorists.
The organisation held the first 'counterterror training camp' in Ayodhya on May 10 but the 'drills' shot into the limelight only on Monday after videos of the rigourous training sessions went viral.
Weapons training
In the videos, groups of young men were seen brandishing air guns, lathis and other weapons. They were being supervised by some 'trained' seniors. "The training is being imparted to keep our youth physically and mentally fit. This is just an effort to prepare them to during a natural calamity and protect our country," said Manoj Kumar, national co-organiser (Rashtriya Sah Sanyojak) of the Bajrang Dal.
The drills included jumping across fire rings, crossing muddy water bodies, passing through fire and shooting the militants.
Criticised
However, Muslim clerics severely criticised the training as 'militants' in the video were seen in skull caps. "Terrorists do not have any religion or faith. It is unfortunate (to brand Muslims as terrorists in the act) and we condemn it. Such camps are also condemnable as the government makes all arrangements (through NCC, etc) to impart such physical training (to youth) for the service of the country," Muslim cleric Maulana Mufti Muqurram said.
On the other hand, BJP MP from Unnao Sakshi Maharaj said there was nothing wrong in it. "You tell me... who are the militants in terror activities around the world. I did not fully agree with Maulana's view and there is nothing wrong in preparing our youths to counter terrorism," he said.
Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath seconded his party colleague saying every citizen of the country should undertake military training and be prepared to serve the country.
Meanwhile, the district administration also saw nothing wrong in the exercise. "Air guns are not firearms and it is also not illegal to possess them," Faizabad SSP Mohit Gupta said.