CHANDIGARH: After almost a month, security agencies and military intelligence have identified one serving Army jawan who participated in one of the farmers’ protests against the Centre’s agriculture laws.
The security agencies had swung into action after photographs and videos circulated online indicated participation of men in Indian Army uniform in the protests.
TOI has now accessed details that reveal that the jawan, identified as a native of Ghudda village in Bathinda district, had participated in the protest during his leave period. The soldier is presently posted in Udhampur area of Jammu & Kashmir. TOI is withholding the name of the jawan and his regiment to protect his identity.
The young jawan, who is of the rank of ‘sepoy’ and serves in one of the most decorated regiments of the Indian Army, had participated in the protest outside the office of Bathinda deputy commissioner on December 14 when farmers held dharnas outside district headquarters across Punjab in response to a call given by farm leaders. The jawan was on leave from his unit at that time and had reached the protest spot wearing camouflage uniform.
As the jawan’s identity has been established by the security agencies as well as the military intelligence, he is expected to face disciplinary action for his conduct as per army rules. In photographs, the jawan was seen wearing full uniform and carrying a placard in his hand supporting the farmers’ protest. “My father is a farmer. If he is a terrorist, then I am also a terrorist,” read the placard.
“Although he was on leave, participating in a dharna and that too wearing the military uniform is a grave misconduct as per the Army Act and he may face severe punishment, including court-martial for this,” said a senior serving military officer. (TOI)
