Indian army does not want goons who burn trains and buses; former army chief lashes out at protest against Agnipath scheme

NEW DELHI: Former Army Chief General VP Malik has slammed the nationwide protests against the central government's short-term military recruitment program, Agnipath. He said the army did not want to recruit goons who carry out such attacks. India had won the Kargil War under General VP Malik.

"We have to understand that the Indian Armed Forces is a volunteer force. It must have the best people who can fight for the country and defend the country. Those people who indulged in goondaism, burning trains and buses, those are not the people we would like to have in the armed forces," Malik said.

Meanwhile, he added that it was a fact that many candidates were unable to complete the test due to the suspension of recruitment. He said he could understand the frustration of those who won't be eligible for Agnipath due to overage. General Malik, who said that the Agnipath scheme had several plus points, added that concerns regarding it could be addressed once it is implemented.