'All Ranks Are Race, Caste, Creed, Gender Agnostic': Indian Army Over Officers Of 'Particular Community' Performing Duties In Manipur

"Compounded by casting aspersions on their loyalty towards the nation, the message is aimed at maligning the very foundation of faith and ethos of officers of Indian Army," the statement said.

New Delhi: The Indian Army on Thursday issued a statement saying that all officers are race, caste, creed and gender agnostic. This comes after a message went viral on the social media reportedly giving out details of officers of a particular community performing internal security duties in violence-hit Manipur.

“Compounded by casting aspersions on their loyalty and integrity towards the nation, the message is aimed at maligning the very foundation of faith and ethos of officers of Indian Army. The very officers being discredited have spent sleepless nights, gone without food and water, and rescued thousands and have provided refuge to people beyond religion, caste or creed in Manipur,” the Indian Army said in a statement.

“All ranks of Indian Army are race, caste, creed and gender agnostic, fair to all and fear none. Officers and troops of Indian Army are posted to all parts of the country as per the requirement of the organisation. It must also be noted that the numbers depicted in the list represents a minute fraction of the total number of officers posted in all formations and units in Manipur currently. The post is an attempt to undermine an institution that is a microcosm of the nation and has never let regional biases interfere in its functioning and Indian Army strongly refutes this hideous message,” the statement further said.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said a judicial probe headed by a retired high court chief justice to inquire into clashes which erupted in the north-eastern state of Manipur, will soon be announced.

He also announced at a press conference held at the end of a four-day tour of the violence-torn state, that a peace committee under the Governor of Manipur Anusuiya Uikey with representatives of all political parties, the warring Kuki and Meitei communities and social organisations will be set up.

"Dialogue is the only solution to the ongoing crisis in Manipur," Amit Shah said, adding, "We will soon announce a judicial probe headed by a retired high court chief justice and set up a peace committee.”