Responding to reports that the families of Army personnel have launched a signature campaign against the government’s decision to open all Cantonment roads for public use, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday tweeted that they are welcome to meet her.
“Welcome to meet me. Shall hear them with an open mind,” she said.
The Defence Ministry, after consulting with elected representatives and Members of Parliament from Cantonment areas, directed the Army to open up all roads in Cantonment areas across the country to the public. Following this, the Army issued an order, directing that all roads, except a few, be opened. The decision is to be reviewed in a month.
‘Affect safety’
While the order has created much confusion on the ground, there has been widespread anger in military circles, especially among military wives and children, who say the move will affect the safety of the families.
