340 trains have been affected due to the nationwide protests against the Agnipath recruitment scheme.
At least 250 people have been arrested in Uttar Pradesh over the 'Agnipath' protests, which has seen hordes of angry youth, carrying bamboo sticks and stones, storming railway premises across cities and small towns and laying siege to highways.
Meanwhile, protests against 'Agnipath' left Bihar in flames on Friday when rampaging mobs set fire to dozens of railway coaches, engines and stations and torched BJP offices, vehicles and other property, prompting the police to suspend internet services in nearly a third of the state.
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Here are the highlights on the 'Agnipath' protests:
‘Agnipath’ Protests Damaged Railway Property Worth Rs 200 Crore: Railway OfficialAmid the protests against the centre's Agnipath Scheme across the country, violent protests have led to the destruction of property worth Rs 200 crore, damage to around 50 train coaches and five engines, a railway official said on Saturday.
"Vandalism in railway premises have led to losses of over Rs 200 crore. Fifty coaches and five engines were completely burnt and went out of service," said Prabhat Kumar, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) for the Danapur Rail Division.
Haryana Congress Leaders Send Letter To Governor Against ‘Agnipath’ SchemeA delegation of Congress leaders submitted a memorandum to a representative of the Haryana governor here on Saturday against the Enforcement Directorate (ED) action against party leaders and the "Agnipath" scheme for military recruitment.
Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda accused the ED of acting against Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former party chief Rahul Gandhi at the behest of the BJP-led centre due to "political vendetta".
The ED had summoned the Gandhis to appear in connection with a money-laundering case linked to the National Herald newspaper-Associated Journals Limited issue.
On the Agnipath scheme, Bhupinder Singh Hooda said it is neither in the interest of the country nor in the interest of youngsters.
Congress To Take Out Tiranga Rally Against ‘Agnipath’ Scheme In JaipurThe Congress will take out a Tiranga rally in Jaipur on Sunday against the centre's Agnipath scheme.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas told reporters that Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and state party chief Govind Singh Dotasra will attend the rally at Amar Jawan Jyoti in Jaipur.
He said the Agnipath scheme is being opposed by the youth across the country and the centre should withdraw it.
‘Agnipath’ Protests: 250 Arrested In Bihar As Violence Continues For 4th DayViolence and arson marked the fourth consecutive day of protests against Agnipath on Saturday when a state-wide bandh was also called by army aspirants to press the demand for rollback of the new system of recruitment in the armed forces.Police acted tough, arresting altogether 250 people across the state during the day and lodging 25 First Information Reports (FIRs), according to a statement issued by the force here.
The statement also put the total number of arrests since Thursday at 718 and said more people would be rounded up after they are identified in a thorough examination of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and videography done at various places.
Kerala Chief Minister Urges PM Modi To Put 'Agnipath' Scheme On Hold Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to put on hold the Agnipath scheme, saying the "protests erupting" against it is a clear indication of the sentiments of India's youngsters.
His statement came amid raging protests in many states including Kerala against the implementation of the scheme.
On Thursday night, it raised the upper age limit for recruitment under the 'Agnipath' scheme to 23 years for 2022 as the protests against the new model for enrolment of soldiers into the three services intensified.
Tamil Nadu Governor Calls 'Agnipath' Revolutionary, Transformative Scheme
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi termed the 'Agnipath' a "revolutionary and transformative" scheme and said that it will provide a good platform for youth to join the Indian armed forces.
"At a young age, they (Agnivees) can come out after serving the nation with self-confidence, discipline, duly trained, and financially sound with skills and knowledge to excel in life," he said
'Agnipath' Scheme Against National Interest, Says Tamil Nadu Chief Minister
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said the 'Agnipath' scheme proposal is against national interest and wanted a re-think from the Centre. However, state Governor R N Ravi described it as "a revolutionary and transformative policy."
The Governor urged the youth to be "not misled by hostile elements."
About 150-odd anti-Agnipath aspirants staged a protest near the War Memorial in Chennai today, alleging it would affect their dreams of joining the army.
One of the protesters told the media that joining the army has been his dream and therefore he had not even pursued graduation after Class XII.
BJP Chief JP Nadda Requests Youth To End Protest, Believe In PM Modi
BJP national president JP Nadda requested the youth to end the protest against the 'Agnipath' scheme and said they should believe in Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He requested the protesters to choose the path of discussion and understand the scheme in detail.
JP Nadda said there are certain forces in this country who don't want reforms or change, and they don't want the power of youth to be used in the right way in the service of the nation.
He said, "try to know that at the age of 17, the scheme gives youth an opportunity to get trained not only for the military but also for a change in their entire life."
BJP Leaders, Deputy Chief Minister To Get 'Y' Category Security In Bihar After Attacks
Two MPs and eight BJP legislators, including two Deputy Chief Ministers, of the BJP, were given the third-highest 'Y' Category security by the central government amid the massive backlash against the 'Agnipath' scheme.
According to BJP sources, the decision to provide extra security was cleared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is not pleased with the way Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar handled the situation in the last 3 days as party offices were attacked and the police failed to control angry mobs.
"Shun Violence, Government Ready To Talk": Anurag Thakur To Protesters
Union minister Anurag Thakur today appealed to the youths protesting against the 'Agnipath' scheme to shun violence, asserting that the government is ready to look into their grievances with an "open mind" and make changes "if required".
Anurag Thakur said it is a "historic decision" taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government towards making the country "more secured" in the future and also providing "opportunities" to the country's youth.
He said the country's youth, who want to join Army, would never take the path of the violence.
Defence Aspirant Runs 60 Km In Odisha To Protests Against 'Agnipath' Scheme
A defence aspirant ran 60 km in Nabarangpur, Odisha as a mark of his opposition to the 'Agnipath' scheme today and a large number of agitators sat in dharna near the revenue divisional commissioner's office in Ganjam district as protests spread in Odisha.
The demonstration was completely peaceful as the administration had made elaborate security arrangements keeping in view the violent agitation in different states.
An agitator Dilip Kumar Nahaka said "I have already spent 3 years in NCC and got its A, B, and C certificates. Many like me have also spent 2 years preparing for the defence service. Now the government is saying that our tenure will be for only four years".
Protesters Set Police Jeep, Roadways Bus On Fire In UP's Jaunpur: Police
A police jeep and an Uttar Pradesh roadways bus was set on fire in Jaunpur while RLD and AAP workers protested in Meerut as the protests against the 'Agnipath' scheme continued in different parts of the country.
District Magistrate of Jaunpur Manish Kumar Verma said hundreds of protesters gathered on the Jaunpur-Prayagraj highway today morning and damaged many vehicles, including two roadways buses and a police car.
According to Superintendent of Police Ajay Sahni, the protestors resorted to stone-pelting and a vehicle of a local BJP leader was damaged.
Looking At Ways To Hire 'Agniveers' In State-Run Firms: Minister Hardeep Puri
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the PSUs under the housing and petroleum ministries are working on ways to hire 'Agniveers' after their four-year service in the armed forces.
"This is a great scheme. I can say this on record that many PSUs under my ministries are already working on (hiring) trained manpower (Agniveers)...their skills can be utilized in PSUs", Hardeep Singh Puri said.
'Agnipath' Protests Are Politically Motivated, Says Maharashtra BJP Chief
Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrakant Patil said the violent protests against the 'Agnipath' scheme are politically motivated and if a case is registered against those indulging in arson then it would be "extremely difficult" for them to get jobs in the future.
Such a scheme will introduce disciplined youth into society and will not affect their prospects in any way. Maharashtra BJP chief said.
"Strike First, Think Later" Varun Gandhi Jabs Centre On 'Agnipath' Scheme
BJP MP Varun Gandhi took a swipe at the Centre over the Agnipath scheme, saying it is not appropriate for a sensitive government to "strike first and think later" when it comes to the armed forces, security, and youth's future.
Varun Gandhi said the changes made in the scheme show various dimensions of the scheme were not taken into consideration when the policy was framed.
"Youth Disappointed, Desperate": Priyanka Gandhi On 'Agnipath' Protests
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi said she "understands the pain of the youth...they are disappointed and desperate."
Priyanka Gandhi said she wrote a letter Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on March 29, 2022, requesting him to urgently start the recruitment rally for Army which was stopped for almost 2 years. She said that she had demanded an age relaxation of 2 years for the youth.
She also said that due to long delays in the recruitment process and appointments, the youth is disappointed.
Priyanka Gandhi said her pleas to the Defence Minister were unheard.
210 Mail/Express Trains, 159 Passenger Trains Cancelled Due To Protests
The Railways cancelled 369 trains today due to the protests against the Agnipath recruitment scheme, officials said. These include 210 mail/express and 159 local passenger trains.
The Railways has also partially cancelled two mail/express trains, thus the total number of trains affected during the day is 371, the officials said.
Security Increased At Andhra Pradesh's Guntur Station, 200 Taken In Custody
Security has been increased at Guntur Railway station in Andhra Pradesh with police force deployed in large numbers in view of the 'Agnipath' protests across the country.
Guntur Superintendent of Police Arif Hafiz said, "Heavy police have been deployed at the Guntur Railway station. In the wake of the Agneepath Scheme, some youths are protesting in Secunderabad, Bihar and other places across the country. To avoid any incident..., so the DSPs, CI, SI, Constable, and others are deployed to maintain law and order situation in Guntur."
He further urged the protestors to protest peacefully.
East Coast Railways Cancels Trains Passing Through OdishaThe East Coast Railway (ECoR) has cancelled and short terminated several trains passing through Odisha due to nationwide protests against the Agnipath recruitment scheme.
No train will be operated at Visakhapatnam station from 6 am to 2 pm on Saturday in view of the agitation, the ECoR said in a release.
The cancelled trains include the Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam Intercity Express and Bhubaneswar-Secunderabad Visakha Express.
The ECoR partially cancelled at least 10 trains, including the Godavari Express from Hyderabad that will end its journey at Duvvada near Visakhapatna
Train Services Stopped In Bihar Till 8 PM
Due to the protests against the Agnipath recruitment scheme in Bihar, train services have been stopped in Bihar till 8 pm today and will be suspended again from 4 am tomorrow till 8 pm, authorities said.
The authorities said the decision has been taken keeping in mind the safety and security of the passengers and protecting rail property.
Protesters Cause Damage To Ludhiana Railway Station In Punjab
Around 20 people with faces covered entered the Ludhiana Railway station complex with sticks smashed glass panels, and ticket counters, police said.
Protests in Haryana intensified after around 50 people set a vehicle on fire near Mahendargarh railway station. A railway engineer at Mahendargarh railway station said protesters entered the building complex and caused damage to property.
10% Jobs Reserved In Defence Ministry For 'Agniveers': Rajnath Singh
The government will reserve 10 per cent jobs in the Defence Ministry to absorb 'Agniveers', Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced today amid protests against the new military recruitment programme, 'Agnipath'.
The announcement comes after four days of violent protests in several states by military aspirants over worries about job security at the end of four years, the duration of the 'Agnipath' tour of duty scheme.
"The 10% reservation will be implemented in the Indian Coast Guard and defence civilian posts, and all the 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings. This reservation would be in addition to existing reservation for ex-servicemen," Mr Singh tweeted.
"Necessary amendments to relevant recruitment rules will be undertaken to implement these provisions. Defence Public Sector Undertakings will be advised to make similar amendments to their respective recruitment rules. Necessary age relaxation provision will also be made," he said.
Cases Registered Against 400 'Agnipath' Protesters In UP's Ballia: Police
Police have registered cases against 400 unknown persons in connection with the protests against Centre's newly announced Agnipath scheme in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia, an official said on Saturday.
The Government Railway Police too has registered cases against 150 unknown persons, SHO (GRP) Raghvendra Yadav said.
Circle officer Priti Tripathi on Saturday said, "Based on the complaint lodged by the station master of Ballia railway station, a case was registered at 3.30 am against 400 unknown persons under the Railway Act, IPC and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act."
"The 109 arrested persons were presented at the court of the city magistrate, who sent them to 14 days of judicial custody," she said.
"Congress Is With You": Sonia Gandhi To 'Agnipath' Protesters
Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Saturday appealed to the 'Agnipath' protesters to adopt peaceful, non-violent means to fight for their demands.
Mrs Gandhi termed the 'Agnipath' scheme "directionless" and said that it is unfortunate that government has "ignored" the voice of the youths.
The Congress chief pledged to stand with the protesters and work for withdrawal of the scheme.
"I'm sad that govt ignored your voice & announced a new scheme that is completely directionless... I appeal to all of you to protest peacefully in a non-violent manner. Indian National Congress is with you," she said.
10 More Trains Cancelled In Light Of 'Agnipath' Protests, Assam Floods
The North-East Frontier Railways (NFR) cancelled 10 more trains on Saturday due to protests and bandh in Bihar against the 'Agnipath' military recruitment scheme and floods in Assam, an official said.
In view of large scale agitation leading to damage to railway property including burning of train coaches in areas falling under the East Central Railway, Bihar bandh and damages caused to railway tracks due to flood in Lumding and Rangiya divisions of Assam some trains have been cancelled/diverted/rescheduled/short-terminated/short-originated, NFR's Chief Public Relations Officer Sabyasachi De said.
NFR had cancelled 11 trains due to violent protests in Bihar and eight due to floods in Assam on Friday.
"Violence Not A Solution": Indian Air Force Chief To Protesters
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Saturday termed the Central government's decision to reserve vacancies for Agniveers in CAPFs and Assam Rifles as a "very positive step" and asked the protesting youth to gather 'correct information' and get their doubts about the scheme clarified instead of resorting to violence.
"It's a very positive step. This is one assurance that the people, who are going to leave services after four years of tenure, were waiting for this. I'm sure that this will be followed by many other such announcements and will definitely assuage issues that have been brought up by youth," said Mr Chaudhari.
"Resorting to violence and arson is not a solution. If they have doubts, there are military stations, Air Force bases, and Naval bases around. They can go to them, get their doubts clarified," he added.
The Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday announced that 'Agniveers' will be absorbed into the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles at the end of their four-year term in the army.
Bihar Police Probing Role Of Coaching Centres In 'Agnipath' Protests
Bihar Police on Saturday said it is probing the role of coaching centres in inciting violent protests against the Centre's Agnipath recruitment scheme in the state.
Students' organisations in Bihar, led by the All India Students' Association, have called a 24-hour Bihar bandh today demanding an immediate rollback of the new recruitment scheme in the military launched this week by the government.
Patna DM Chandrashekhar Singh said an FIR was filed against 170 people, out of whom 46 were arrested for vandalism at Danapur railway station.
Chennai Police Detains 300 Youngsters Who Protested Against 'Agnipath' Scheme
The Chennai Police on Saturday detained around 300 youngsters who protested against the Centre's 'Agnipath' scheme.
Many of the youngsters who have been detained claim that they had already given the exams and were just waiting for other formalities to get enlisted into the services.
The protesters were gathered at the War memorial in Chennai when the police detained them.
'Agnipath' Scheme Rolled Out After Wide-Ranging Consultations: Rajnath Singh
As protests against the 'Agnipath' scheme intensified, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday strongly defended the new military recruitment model saying it was rolled out after wide-ranging consultations including with the ex-servicemen and suggested that a "misunderstanding" is being spread for political reasons.
He said the scheme will bring revolutionary changes in the enrolment process for soldiers, asserting that there will be no compromise on the quality of training to be imparted to the personnel to be recruited under the scheme.
AAP Leader Writes To Rajnath Singh To Roll Back 'Agnipath' Scheme
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Member of Parliament Raghav Chadha wrote to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday seeking a roll-back and re-deliberation of the 'Agnipath' scheme.
"The Union Government has failed to comprehend that a jawan supports not only himself but his family," wrote Mr Chadha in a statement.
Protesters Block Railway Tracks, Do Push-Ups In West Bengal
Train services on the Sealdah-Barrackpore route in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district were disrupted for around one hour on Saturday as a group of anti-Agnipath agitators blocked railway tracks and did push-ups to register protest against the new scheme for recruitment in armed forces.
Around 20 protesters blocked both up and down lines at a level crossing from around 10 AM thus also affecting vehicular traffic, a spokesperson of the Eastern Railway said.
"We love our country, please don't play with our future. We have been preparing for the army for several years, and now the Centre implements Agnipath scheme. We demand its immediate rollback," one of the protesters, carrying 'Boycott Agnipath' placard, told reporters, as quoted by ANI.
Stone Pelting On Police Reported In Bihar's Jehanabad
Protests against the 'Agnipath' scheme intensified in Bihar's Jehanabad district on Saturday with angry protesters throwing stones at policemen.
A large number of protesters blocked the Tehta Mela Road under Tehta OP and pelted stones at policemen who were present at the spot to control the situation.
Several policemen have been injured in the incident.
Massive Protest Rally In Kerala Against 'Agnipath' Scheme
Hundreds of youth on Saturday took out a massive protest march in Kerala against the Centre's decision to implement the new Agnipath scheme for the recruitment of soldiers, airmen and sailors.
Large number of army job aspirants, who have been reportedly waiting to get enrolled into the defence service, gathered at Thampanoor, located in the heart of the city, in the morning and marched to Raj Bhavan, the official residence of Governor Arif Mohammed Khan.
They could be seen raising slogans against the Union government's new military recruitment scheme and holding placards and banners urging the authorities to withdraw their decision at the earliest.
The protesting youth were reportedly hailing from various parts of the southern state.
An agitating man said they would continue the strike till the Centre rolls back its decision and justice is ensured to them.
High Level Meet Called Amid 'Agnipath' Protests
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has held a meeting with Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar and IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari at his residence as protests against the 'Agnipath' scheme spread nationwide.
Internet Services Suspended In 18 Bihar Districts
Indian authorities suspended Internet services in 18 districts of Bihar in a bid to stop public gatherings and violent protests over a military recruitment plan, police officials said on Saturday.
One protestor was killed and more than a dozen have been injured in a series of protests in some regions of the country against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new policy to hire soldiers for short tenures.
The Agnipath or "path of fire" system aims to bring more people into the military on four-year contracts to lower the average age of India's 1.38 million-strong armed forces and cut burgeoning pension costs, the government said.
Protesters, mainly young men, say the plan will limit opportunities for permanent jobs with the defence forces, which guarantee fixed salaries, pensions and other benefits.
"Just Like Farm Laws...": Rahul Gandhi Slams Centre Amid 'Agnipath' Row
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to withdraw the farm laws, he will have to accept the demand of the youth and rollback the Agnipath defence recruitment scheme.
The former Congress chief also said that for eight consecutive years, the BJP government has "insulted" the values of 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan'.
In a tweet in Hindi, Mr Gandhi said, "I had said earlier also that the prime minister will have to withdraw the black farm laws."
"In the same manner, he will have to accept the demand of the youth of the country by becoming 'maafiveer' and take back the 'Agnipath' scheme," he said.
Train Services Resume In Secunderabad Amid Tight Security
Train services at Secunderabad Railway Station, which witnessed arson and violence resulting in the death of a protester aspiring to join the armed forces, are limping back to normalcy, a senior official of the South Central Railway said on Saturday.
D Rakesh, a 24-year-old Army aspirant from Warangal district, died and several people were injured after security personnel opened fire on hundreds of agitators at the Secunderabad railway station here on Friday as the protests against the Centre's new Agnipath military recruitment scheme escalated into large-scale violence and arson.
Violence and protests marred the station blocking rail services causing inconvenience to passengers for several hours. Train operations originating from the station were cancelled or partially cancelled and they resumed subsequently later in the evening.
Congress Announces Solidarity 'Satyagrah' At Jantar Mantar
Congress MPs and leaders will sit on a "Satyagraha" at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi Sunday morning in solidarity with the youths protesting against the Agnipath scheme for recruitment in the armed forces.
Youths across the country have taken to the streets against the contentious scheme, and incidents of violence have been reported from several cities and towns.
Sources said Congress MPs, its working committee members, and All India Congress Committee office-bearers will be part of the "Satyagraha" that begins at 10 AM at Jantar the Mantar on June 19.
Fresh Violence Erupts In UP's Jaunpur
Fresh violence erupted in Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur as protests against the 'Agnipath' scheme intensified on Saturday.
Large number of protesters blocked a national highway and vandalised vehicles. A government bus was also set on fire by angry protesters.
Police forces have been deployed to control the situation.
Delhi Minister Announces "Joint Movement" At Jantar Mantar On June 20
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Friday said that a joint movement will be held at Jantar Mantar in the national capital on June 20 against the recently announced Agnipath Recruitment Scheme by the Central Government.
"A joint movement will be organized at Jantar Mantar in Delhi at 11 am on June 20 against the Agnipath scheme," he said in a tweet.
He has also appealed to all the organizations of 'Syukt Rojgar Andolan Samiti' to reach Jantar Mantar.
Protests have broken out in various parts of the country against the new recruitment scheme in the Armed Forces. In some places, the protests turned violent as trains were set ablaze.