Protesters are demanding that the Centre roll back its newly launched four-year recruitment scheme for the armed forces
Anti-Agnipath protesters torch a train in Bihar on 16 June, 2022. News18
Protests against Agnipath, the Centre’s new recruitment scheme for the armed forces erupted across multiple states on Thursday.
The stir has turned violent in multiple places. In Bihar, army aspirants set ablaze a train and blocked railway tracks leading to the cancellation of at least 22 trains.
Here’s a look at the situation in places where the protests are taking place:
Bihar
Demonstrators torched three trains in the state.
A protester told ANI, “We prepared for long & now they’ve brought Tour of Duty (Agnipath) as a four-year job. (We) don’t want that but the old recruitment process.”
Protests have also spread to Jehanabad and Munger.
Also read: How’s the josh? Why Centre’s new Agnipath recruitment programme for soldiers is considered revolutionary Uttar Pradesh In UP, army aspirants blocked roads and raised slogans demanding the withdrawal of the Agnipath scheme. Haryana
Protests have been taking place in Gurugram, Palwal and Rewari. In Palwal, police personnel deployed at the DC residence resorted to aerial firing as protesters began pelting stones.
Gurugram traffic police issued an advisory, saying, “Due to a local protest, traffic is diverted at Bilaspur Chowk (NH-48). All commuters using this route are requested to take alternative routes.”
What are protesters demanding?
Demonstrators have raised objections to the scheme’s short four-year tenure and the lack of pensions for Agniveers. There have raised concerns over career opportunities after an Agniveer’s term.
The Centre on Tuesday launched the Agnipath scheme. As part of the initiative, 46,000 Agniveers will be recruited for a four-year duration in 2022.
Up to 25 percent of the Agvineers will be retained while the rest will let go with a severance package at the end of their service.
With inputs from agencies
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