• Thursday, March 28, 2024

HEADLINE STORY

All-India strike called over ‘Agnipath’ scheme, more than 500 trains cancelled

Indian paramilitary personnel patrol the railway tracks as several trains were cancelled in view of the ongoing protests against ‘Agnipath’, in Patna in the eastern state of Bihar on Sunday, June 19, 2022. (ANI Photo)

By: Shubham Ghosh

WITH India’s Narendra Modi government refusing to roll back its ‘Agnipath’ military recruitment scheme, some protesting organisations called a nationwide strike across India on Monday (20). The country has seen massive protests and violence over the week after the scheme was unveiled on June 14.

The railways continued to take a hit as more than 500 trains were cancelled on Monday due to the strike against the scheme which seeks a short-term recruitment plan for India’s armed forces. The Indian Railways have faced a major loss as the protesters torched several railway coaches and vandalised property.

ALSO READ: Bihar’s burning trains: India’s ‘Agnipath’ violence leaves state railway division with £24m loss

The NDTV news channel reported that parts of the national capital Delhi saw traffic jams as the police tightened security across the city and its bordering areas. Traffic congestion was found on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway as well. The police warned of strict action if anybody tried to disturb the law-and-order situation.

India’s protesting youth warn Modi govt: ‘If you don’t roll back ‘Agnipath’, we will become terrorists’

The opposition Indian National Congress, which has been protesting against the scheme, sat on a ‘Satyagraha’ at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to support the aspirants who want to serve in the armed forces. Some members of the party’s youth brigade were also detained by the police after they tried to stop a train at one of the city railway stations.

In the northern state of Haryana, armed forces aspirants blocked roads.

Security was tightened in several states such as Kerala, Telangana, West Bengal and Rajasthan to avoid untoward incidents. In Faridabad and Noida in Uttar Pradesh, prohibitory orders were imposed to prevent assembly of four or more people. The state police also warned of stern action against those found involved in jeopardising peace.

In another northern state of Punjab, the police were asked to keep a close watch on the social media groups that were allegedly instigating against the scheme, NDTV added.

The government of Bihar was cautious about more untoward incidents unfolding. Security at party offices considered vulnerable were increased while internet services remained suspended in 20 districts of the state. In neighbouring Jharkhand, schools remained closed on Monday amid the protests.

On Sunday (19), the three services of the military came out with a broad enrolment schedule under the ‘Agnipath’ scheme and said that those who indulged in violence will be refused induction.

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