Asim Arun slams ‘politicisation’ of Armed Forces

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh minister for state of social welfare Asim Arun came out strongly in defence of armed forces personnel, slamming recent remarks by political leaders that linked the identities of two women officers with religion and caste. In a pointed public statement, Arun, who is a former IPS officer, asserted that the only identity of any soldier in uniform is that of being Indian — not their faith, caste, or regional background.Posting a heartfelt message on social media, Arun saluted Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, writing: "Jai Hind Colonel Sophia Qureshi, Jai Hind Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. Only ‘Jai Hind' — not ‘Adaab', not ‘Jai Mata Di', nothing else. Just ‘Jai Hind'."He added, "When we wear the uniform, we are not Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, Tamil, or Bihari — we are simply Indians. Unfortunately, some politicians still fail to grasp this basic truth."The remarks come amid a growing row over comments made by Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah and Samajwadi Party functionary Ramgopal Yadav on the two women officers.Arun wrote on Facebook, "Those who look at our brave soldiers through the lenses of religion and caste are being justifiably criticised across the country — I join in that condemnation.""To both these brave women officers, once again, my salute — Jai Hind!" he concluded.