A group of Indian armed forces veterans have flagged their concern over "divisiveness" and "relentless vigilantism" gripping the country and condemned the targeting of Muslims and Dalits.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the 114 veterans wrote that issues like vigilantism and "targeting of Muslims and Dalits" have "compelled" them to pen the letter, which has also been marked for the chief ministers and Lt. Governors.
They observed that the recent happenings "strike" at all that the armed forces, and the Constitution, stand for. The veterans also lent their support to the 'Not In My Name' campaign in the letter.
"We are witness to unprecedented attacks on society at large by the relentless vigilantism of self-appointed protectors of Hinduism. We condemn the targeting of Muslims and Dalits.
"We condemn the clampdowns on free speech by attacks on media outlets, civil society groups, universities, journalists and scholars, through a campaign of branding them anti-national and unleashing violence against them while the state looks away," said the letter, dated July 30.
The retired personnel stressed that, collectively, their group holds no affiliation with any single political party, and their only common commitment was towards the Constitution of India.
"We can no longer look away. We would be doing a disservice to our country if we do not stand up and speak for the liberal and secular values that our Constitution espouses. Our diversity is our greatest strength. Dissent is not treason; in fact, it is the essence of democracy," they added.
