WELFARE CRISIS HITS ARMY, POLICE & PRISONS
A growing national security concern is unfolding as frontline personnel across the Army, Police, and Prisons Service face mounting hardship due to a sustained lack of basic food supplies—most notably, rice—over the past several months.
The supply of rice to these critical arms of the state has been disrupted for periods ranging between four and nine months, leaving officers and personnel in a state of increasing frustration and discomfort. The situation is now being described by senior security officials as a “welfare crisis” that threatens morale, discipline, and operational effectiveness.
Senior Police Commanders have confirmed that their men and women have gone without rice rations for four consecutive months, a development they say has been repeatedly communicated to top authorities—including the National Security Adviser and the Minister of Internal Affairs—without meaningful response.
“This is no longer just a logistical hiccup,” one senior officer told Global Times. “This is a serious breach of trust and duty. Our personnel are stretched, demoralized, and left to fend for themselves. The silence from the top is deafening.”
The situation casts a troubling light on the government’s commitment to the welfare of its own security forces. While Ministry of Finance officials claim the matter is under review at “the highest levels,” no clear plans or timelines have been communicated, leaving those affected in a state of uncertainty.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance admitted broadly that the government is grappling with significant financial obligations but declined to address the impact on the security services specifically. “I cannot comment on individual cases,” he said, offering no further clarity or reassurance.
The neglect is prompting grave concerns among policy observers and security analysts, who warn that the continued disregard for the welfare of security personnel could have far-reaching consequences. “You cannot expect loyalty, order, or effective service from forces whose basic needs are being ignored,” one analyst noted. “At its core, this is a national security risk in the making.”
As the crisis drags on with no resolution in sight, pressure is mounting on the government to prioritize the needs of its security forces before the situation spirals beyond control.