The creation of a department of military affairs, along with the formal institution of the chief of defence staff, is a big and welcome change. This will radically transform India’s civil-political-military relations. This will also give greater autonomy to the three services and a much-needed bigger say in defence acquisition.
Amit Shah’s conflicting statements on NRC adding to anxiety. He needs to be unambiguous
Amit Shah has clarified that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is not under consideration ‘now’ but remains tight-lipped about its implementation in future. This will keep apprehensions about the government’s intent alive, especially in the backdrop of conflicting statements by the home minister. Shah should come clean on this.
With almost all opposition ruled states stating that they will not participate in the proposed pan Indian NRC, it becomes a paper tiger. Plus there are growing indications that large numbers of citizens, cutting across religion, will stay away. The spontaneous nation wide protests were over CAC but those demonstrators will be equally vociferous against NRC, as and when it is inaugurated. A quiet burial would be in order.
CAA