Gurgaon Bans Large Gatherings Amid 'Agnipath' Protests In Haryana

The Gurgaon administration has banned large gatherings amid spiralling protests by military aspirants against the new recruitment policy, Agnipath.

Apart from Palwal, which saw violence yesterday and where mobile internet and SMS were snapped for 24 hours, Faridabad's Ballabhgarh also faces connectivity blackout for 24 hours.

Services that have been snapped include mobile internet, SMS including bulk messages but excluding banking and mobile recharge, and dongles based on mobile network.

The authorities said the move would help in maintaining law and order and prevent people from spreading rumours.

Protesters in Palwal yesterday set government vehicles on fire and thew stones at the Deputy Commissioner's home.

Young people who have been preparing to join the military have set trains on fire in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in protest against the four-year contract under the Agnipath policy. They had been expecting a permanent career in the armed forces, though a portion of 'Agniveers' - those who joined via the Agnipath scheme - would be absorbed in the military for a permanent career.

Previously, soldiers have been recruited by the army, navy and air force separately and typically enter service for up to 17 years for the lowest ranks. The shorter tenure has caused concern among potential recruits.

The new recruitment plan aims to cut down the government's massive salary and pension bills and free up funds for arms procurement.