Agnipath scheme: Protesters burn trains; vandalism, violence leave 1 dead
On the third day of the agitation against the Agnipath military recruitment scheme, protesters on Friday targeted the residences of Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Renu Devi and Bihar Bharatiya Janata Party President and West Champaran MP Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal. Protesting military aspirants blocked railway lines and torched train carriages in various states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Telangana, disrupting rail services across India.
One killed in Secunderabad in police firing
Meanwhile, in Telangana, a protester was killed and many others were injured after the police reportedly opened fire at the Secunderabad Railway Station. In Haryana, the government has blocked internet services in the Faridabad district's Ballabgarh in anticipation of violence in the state. The police said prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144, barring gatherings of more than four people, have been enforced in Gurugram.
Video of arson at Secunderabad Railway Station shared on Twitter
Trains canceled, delayed in several states
According to India Today, many trains have been canceled and delayed in numerous regions of the country as demonstrators attacked railway lines and torched several carriages. Trains were set ablaze in many railway stations throughout Bihar, according to the report. Officials told India Today that more than 100 young men attacked Bihar's Buxar Railway Station and sat on the tracks.
Over 25 protesting students detained at ITO, Delhi
More than 25 students and members of the All India Students' Association (AISA) were arrested on Friday after they staged a demonstration against the central government's Agnipath scheme for armed forces recruitment. Students with placards yelled anti-government slogans and squatted between the old Delhi Police headquarters and Gate No. 5 of the ITO Delhi Metro Station. They demanded a quick reversal of the scheme.
Disruption of vehicular traffic in J&K, UP
According to reports, traffic on the Pathankot-Jammu and Jammu-Poonch roads was affected on Friday as candidates demonstrated against the new recruitment policy for the second day in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir. Two highway buses in Varanasi were also damaged by youths opposing the program. "Situation is now under control. We are doing patrolling," said an officer.
Video of police lathicharge in Mathura amid protests
PM Modi can't grasp what public wants: Rahul Gandhi
Meanwhile, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi slammed the Centre over the scheme. Rahul stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not grasp what the public wants. He said the central government launched programs that have been "rejected" by the people. "He can't hear anything except the voice of his 'friends,'" Rahul said. Priyanka requested the prime minister to rescind the policy immediately.
This is what Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi tweeted in Hindi
What is Agnipath scheme?
Officials said the Agnipath military recruitment scheme for armed services is aimed at reducing the wage and pension costs. Under this proposal, defense troops will be freed after four years. Only 25% of them may be recalled for a complete term. There will be no pension and gratuity benefits. However, a lump sum amount will be given to them on completion of the service.
