Bajrang Dal men walking with rifles on the street of Firozabad during march past.

AGRA: The Bajrang Dal concluded its week-long self-defence and weapons training camp in Firozabad on Wednesday. At the camp, participants were trained in using firearms, swords and were taught hand-to-hand combat. After the camp, Bajrang Dal members took out a march-past with rifles, while police escorted the procession.

The right wing group started the camp on May 24 across the state in four regions such as Meerut, Braj, Awadh and Kashi.

For Braj the camp was organised in Firozabad while for Awadh the participants visited Hardoi.

Speaking to TOI, district coordinator of Bajrangdal’s Firozabad unit Santosh Kumar Vashisth said, “It was Saurya Abhiyashvarg Prashikshan camp, where more than 500 participants from districts of Braj region came and participated in learning the self-defence techniques, way to use weapons, sword and protect our nation from external aggression.”

“We believe nation is above religion, so any given day if government requires volunteers to fight against anti-national elements or external force, our men will be ready with arms,” he said.

District coordinator of Bajrangdal’s Kasganj unit Akash Singhal said, “Apart from training and exercise, the volunteers and members of the right wing group were taught lessons on Hindutav and way to behave with general public and officials. Everyday three sessions of four hours each were held, in which meditation, self-defence, sports, teachings on nationalism and religion were taught.”

When questioned about conducting a march-past with weapons on the street of Firzoabad, the Bajrang Dal leaders claimed that it was peaceful movement to generate sense of security and unity.

There were more than 500 participants in the march past.

Speaking to TOI, senior superintendent of police Ajay Kumar said, “Though the local police had given permission for march-past, but I’m not aware of weapons being showcased publicly in the event. If we came across any visual footage proving the presence of weapons in the march-past, we will take action against the men who brought them.”

