Agnipath Protests Live: Agitation Spreads to 11 States, 200 Trains Cancelled
Amid protests, the government has increased the upper-age limit for recruitment under the Agnipath scheme for 2022.
advertisement
As protests against the Union Defence Ministry's new Agnipath scheme grip the nation, demonstrations escalated across at least 11 states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Jharkhand, and Assam on Friday, 17 June.
The state government of Bihar also stopped internet and telephone mobile services in 12 districts.
One person was killed amid the violence in Telangana's Secunderabad, while several others were reportedly injured.
In Bihar's Sasaram, a policeman was shot at allegedly by protesters while many others vandalised a BJP office. Protesters also attacked the Bettiah residence of Deputy Chief Minister Renu Devi.
While trains were set ablaze in Bihar, UP, and Telangana, the police used water cannons to disperse protesters at Delhi's ITO. Some students were also detained in the national capital.
Protests were also reported from Punjab, West Bengal, and Haryana.
Army aspirants set fire to trains in several parts of Bihar including Samastipur and Nalanda among others
Mobile internet shall remain suspended in Haryana till 4:30 pm on Saturday, 18 June
IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari is visiting six forward air bases to explain the details of the scheme to the air warriors
Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed in Gurugram to restrict gatherings
In UP's Aligarh, a car inside a police outpost set on fire by mob agitating against the Agnipath scheme
All gates of the ITO and Jama Masjid Metro Stations in Delhi were briefly closed after protests in the area
To prevent spread of misinformation, mobile internet services and bulk SMS services have been suspended in Haryana's Mahendragarh for 24 hours
Following protests, the Centre on Thursday increased the upper-age limit for recruitment under the Agnipath scheme
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)
What Is the Agnipath Scheme?
The scheme allows for the induction of about 45,000 people aged 17.5 to 21 years into the military for a four-year period. Recruitment for the same is supposed to begin in the next 90 days, with the first wave expected to arrive in July 2023.
Only 25 percent of these troops will be retained after four years, and they will serve for a total of 15 years in non-officer ranks.
The remaining employees will receive a package worth Rs 11-12 lakh when they leave the service, but they will not be eligible for pension benefits.
Passenger Train Set Ablaze in Bihar's Samastipur
In Bihar's Samastipur district, two coaches of a passenger train were set on fire at Mohiuddinagar station of the Hajipur-Barauni railway line.
In UP's Ballia, Protesters Vandalise Train, Station
Protests and chaos broke out at the Ballia railway station in UP, where demonstrators vandalised station property and a train parked at the site. Visuals showed hundreds of protesters gathered at the station. They were later dispersed by the police.
Ballia District Magistrate Saumya Agarwal said that some youths had attempted to pelt stones, and that action was being taken by the police.
Another Train Set on Fire in Bihar, at Luckeesarai Junction
Protesters set a train ablaze at Luckeesarai Junction in Bihar.
"They were stopping me from shooting a video and even snatched away my phone. 4-5 compartments affected. Passengers alighted and managed to proceed on their own," a police personnel was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Earlier in the morning, a train has been set on fire in Samastipur.
Students Broke Window Pane, Set Empty Train Ablaze in Ballia; Police Resort to Lathicharge
An empty train was set ablaze in UP's Ballia during protests over the Agnipath scheme.
Protesters gathered at the Veeri Lork Stadium and then marched to the Ballia railway station, raising slogans such as 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and 'Agnipath Vapas Lo'.
They also allegedly pelted stones near the railway godown and targeted private shops at the railway station platform. The police lathicharged the protesters to disperse them, as per PTI.
"After gatherings at Ballia railway station and stadium, senior police officers and district magistrate talked to and dispersed students. After which, some students attempted to break window pane and set fire to an empty isolated train. Attempts of dousing underway; patrolling at different areas underway," Superintendent RK Nayyar was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Railway Station Vandalised in Bihar's Lakhminia
Protesters vandalised the Lakhminia Railway Station in Bihar, and blocked railway tracks at the station to mark their dissent against the Agnipath scheme.
'Agnipath - Youth Rejected, Agricultural Laws - Farmers Rejected': Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to note the poor response to various government policies in the recent past, including Agnipath.
"Agnipath – youth rejected. Agricultural laws – farmers rejected. Demonetisation – economists denied. GST – traders rejected. The prime minister does not understand what the people of the country want because he does not hear anything except the voice of his 'friends,'" he tweeted.
'Agnipath a Golden Opportunity for Youth': Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
"The Agnipath scheme by the central government gives a golden opportunity to the youth of the country," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in an exclusive interview to ANI.
"For the last 2 years, young people didn't get the opportunity to get inducted into the armed forces due to no recruitment process. Thus, the government decided to increase the upper age limit from 21 years to 23 years. It's a one-time relaxation," he said.
Amid protests, the central government on Thursday increased the upper-age limit for recruitment under the Agnipath scheme for 2022.
"The joining process is starting in a few days. I appeal to all aspirants to start training for the same," Singh said.
'Coaches of 3 Running Trains Damaged So Far': Railway Ministry
"Coaches of 3 running trains in Eastern Central Railway plus one empty rake in Kulharia (ECR) (Bihar), one stabled coach in washing line in Ballia (UP). This is damage to rolling stocks so far. Damages to fixed assets difficult to be assessed & compiled so early," the Railway Ministry was quoted as saying by ANI.
Protests Reach Telangana, Railway Station Vandalised
In Telangana's Secunderabad railway station, agitators vandalised and set a train ablaze during protests against Agnipath.
'Agnipath Plan Being Imposed in Hurry': Priyanka Gandhi
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra attacked the government over the Agnipath scheme on Twitter, saying the BJP dispensation requiring to amend rules under the scheme soon after its announcement indicates it was imposed on the youth in haste.
"Not even 24 hours passed that the BJP government had to change the rules of new army recruitment. Meaning, the plan is being imposed on the youth in a hurry. Narendra Modi ji, withdraw this scheme immediately. Give the appointment and result in the stopped recruitment of airforce. Do army recruitment (with age relaxation) as before," she tweeted.
Efforts on To Douse Fire at Secunderabad Railway Station, Trains Halted
Efforts are underway to douse the fire on a train which was set ablaze at Secunderabad railway station in Hyderabad.
Trains to the station have been halted as protests against Agnipath recruitment scheme continue. Scores of aspirants were seen raising slogans and a train was set ablaze.
Home of Bihar Deputy CM Attacked in Bettiah, Windows Broken
Protesters agitated outside the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Renu Devi in Bettiah. The agitators pelted stones at Devi's residence.
During this, the windows of the deputy CM's house were broken.
The tenant and other staff living at Devi's residence said that the mob tried to break the lock of the house.
Protests at Hajipur Railway Station
Agitators protested against the Agnipath scheme at Hajipur railway station in Bihar. They were later chased away by police.
"Situation at the moment is alright. Hooligans have been chased away. Some of them have been detained for questioning," SP Hajipur Maneesh. said, ANI reported.
Police Fires Shots at Secunderabad Station Amid Protests
Police firing has been reported at Secunderabad railway station, where protesters set a train ablaze to mark their dissent against the Agnipath scheme.
Protests Outside Homes of BJP Bihar Chief, MLA in Bettiah
Protesters agitated outside the house of BJP state president Sanjay Jaiswal and MLA Vinay Bihari in Bettiah.
At least one policeman was reported injured.
Army Aspirants Protest in Punjab's Sangrur
Army aspirants protest against the Agnipath scheme in Punjab’s Sangrur.
Mobile Internet Services Suspended in Faridabad After Violent Protests
Following violent protests in Palwal against the Agnipath scheme, the Haryana government has suspended mobile internet and SMS services for 24 hours in Ballabhgarh area of Faridabad district as a precautionary measure.
The order, which was issued by the Home Department and came into effect after 12 am on Friday, led to the suspension of mobile internet services, all SMS services, including bulk SMS (excluding banking and mobile recharge), and all dongle services provided on mobile networks to maintain law and order and prevent the spread of rumours, officials said.
The department in a statement said that there is a likelihood of "tension, annoyance, obstruction or injury to persons, danger to human life and property, disturbance of public peace and tranquillity" in Ballabgarh sub-division by the agitated protesters, in view of the potential law and order situation in the adjourning Palwal district over the Agnipath scheme.
'Agniveer Scheme Protests Acute Indicator of Unemployment Crisis': KTR
With protests against the Centre's new 'Agnipath' scheme for recruitment of defence personnel turning violent in several parts of the country, Telangana Minister for IT and Industries K T Rama Rao on Friday said the stir indicates the unemployment problem in the country.
"The violent protests against #AgniveerScheme is an eye-opener & acute indicator of the magnitude of unemployment crisis in the country Pehle Desh ke Kisan Ke Saath ??????? Aur Ab Desh ke Jawan Ke Saath ??????? From One Rank - One Pension to proposed No Rank - No Pension!" Rama Rao, known as KTR, tweeted.
Protests in Haryana's Narnaul, Hero Honda Chowk
In Haryana, the police chased away protesters who were agitating in Narnaul against Agnipath.
"We are trying to pacify them. They are violating Section 144 CrPC that has been imposed here," Narnaul DSP Narender Kumar was quoted as saying by ANI.
Protests were also held at Hero Honda Chowk.
BJP Office in Sasaram Occupied by Protesters
Amid fierce protests, youth occupied the BJP office in Sasaram. DSP Santosh Kumar Rai and SDM Manoj Kumar looking after the security of the BJP office had to enter the premises by climbing the wall, as clashes emerged between protesters and the police.
The police fired shots in the air to disperse the protesters.
(Photo: Accessed by The Quint)
(Photo: Accessed by The Quint)
Protests at Danapur Station in Bihar, Stones Pelted at Police
Students staged protests at Danapur railway station in Bihar and vandalized many vehicles. The youths reportedly pelted stones at the police.
Protesting Youths Block Highway in Mathura, Police Use Lathicharge
Youths blocked a highway in Mathura to protest the Agnipath scheme. After the students allegedly hurled stones at the police, the security forces used force to contain the protests.
Stone Pelting in UP's Ballia Amid Protests
Youths pelted stone during protests against the army recruitment scheme in UP's Ballia.
Buses Vandalised in Varanasi, Firozabad
In UP's Varanasi, several roadways buses and private vehicles were vandalized by a mob of protesters.
In UP's Firozabad, roadways buses were targeted by the mob protesting against the Centre's Agnipath scheme.
Protests at Delhi, Police Detain Students
The Delhi Police detained protesters gathered at Delhi's ITO to demonstrate against the Agnipath scheme.
Chatr-Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS) – the student wing of the AAP also protested in Delhi.
200 Train Services Affected Due to Protests
A total of 200 train services have been affected due to the ongoing agitation, reported ANI.
'Conspiracy To Blow Up My House': Bihar BJP Chief
After protesters attacked his house in Bettiah earlier today, the BJP State President Dr Sanjay Jaiswal claimed, "There was a conspiracy to blow up my house."
The miscreants allegedly tried to set the house on fire by pouring petrol on it. The mob also had a cylinder bomb which was recovered by the police.
6 Injured, Trains Cancelled After Protests at Secundarabad Station
At least six protestors were injured in violent protests at Secunderabad railway station on Friday.
On account of anti-Agnipath scheme protests disrupting train services at Secunderabad Railway Station, South Central Railways has cancelled or partially cancelled some trains.
The agitators set on fire some coaches of three passenger trains at the station. The agitators, numbering about 300-350 also pelted stones. Some stalls in the railway station suffered damage.
Gurugram Imposes Sec 144, Bans Large Gatherings Amid Protests
Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed in Gurugram to restrict the gathering of more than 4 persons amid protests.
All Gates of ITO, Jama Masjid Metro Stations Closed in Delhi Amid Protests, Police Uses Water Cannon
All gates of the ITO and Jama Masjid Metro Stations in Delhi were closed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation after protests in the area.
The police used water cannon to disperse protesters at ITO.
Large Number of Youth To Benefit From Increase in Agnipath Age Limit: Amit Shah
The Centre's decision to increase the upper age limit for joining the Agnipath scheme for recruitment in defence services will benefit a large number of youth, Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday.t
"The recruitment process in the Army was affected due to the coronavirus pandemic for the last two years, so Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji has taken a sensitive decision, showing concern for the youth, to give them two years concession in the age limit from 21 years to 23 years in the first year of Agnipath scheme," Shah said in a tweet in Hindi.
'Agnipath Will Benefit Youth Who Couldn't Join Forces Due to COVID-19': Army Chief
Army Chief General Manoj Pande on Friday said the government's decision to raise the upper age limit to 23 years from 21 under the 'Agnipath' scheme in 2022 will provide an opportunity to the youths who were preparing to join the force but couldn't do so in the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This decision will provide an opportunity for many of our young, energetic and patriotic youth who, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, were preparing to join the recruitment rallies, which couldn't be completed in the last two years due to COVID restrictions," he said.
5 Arrested in Patna Over Protests
Patna DM Dr Chandrashekhar Singh said that 5 people have been arrested in connection with the violence in the state, while security has been heightened.
Protests Reach West Bengal
Youths staged a protest at the Howrah bridge in West Bengal on Friday morning. Later, the police dispersed the agitators to avoid traffic snarls.
Policeman Shot at in Sasaram
In Bihar's Sasaram, a policeman was shot at allegedly by protesters. The officer, identified as Deepak Kumar Singh of the Shiv Sagar police station has been admitted to the Sadar hopspital.
The SHO of Shiv Sagar police station, Sushant Kumar Mandal, has also suffered injuries in his leg.
One Person Killed in Telangana's Secunderabad
One person was during the violence in Telangana's Secundarabad over the Agnipath scheme, Hyderabad North zone police told The Quint.
The person's identity and the cause of death are yet unknown.
Mob Torches Bus in UP's Aligarh
In UP's Aligarh, a mob vandalised a Haryana roadways bus and later set it ablaze amid protests over Agnipath scheme.
Congress Leaders Protest Against 'Agnipath' in Kolkata
Congress activists protested against Central Governments Agnipath scheme in Kolkata.
(Photo: PTI)
Train Set Ablaze in Nalanda's Islampur
Several coaches of a train were set ablaze by protesters at the Islampur railway station in Nalanda over the Centre's Agnipath scheme.
Violent Protests in Odisha's Cuttack Over Agnipath Scheme
Hundreds of aspirants for recruitment in the Armed Forces blocked the arterial Ring Road, burnt tyres, raised slogans, and tore down hoardings in Cantonment area of Odisha's Cuttack.
Many among the protestors claimed to have already cleared physical fitness and medical tests for recruitment in the Army last year and were waiting to write the Common Entrance Examination (CEE).
Police lathi-charged protestors and detained some of them, said Cuttack deputy commissioner of police, Pinak Mishra.
Indian Youth Congress Workers Not Allowed to Leave Premises
With protests escalating against the Agnipath scheme, the Youth Congress Friday claimed the main gate of its office here has been barricaded by the Delhi Police without assigning any reasons, turning the premises into a "police contentment".
The police, however, said they have just made "adequate security arrangements” as the Indian Youth Congress has no permission to take out any protest march.
Protesters Briefly Block Yamuna Expressway
Scores of youngsters protesting against the Agnipath scheme blocked the Yamuna Expressway in Delhi-NCR briefly.
The movement through Jewar toll plaza between Greater Noida and Mathura-Agra was blocked for around an hour from 12 pm, the officials said.
"Police personnel in large numbers were rushed to the protest spot in view of the law and order situation," a police official said.
"Normal traffic movement was restored on the Yamuna Expressway in Jewar around 1.30 pm," the traffic official told PTI.
'Protests at 17 Locations So Far': UP Police on Unrest
Uttar Pradesh ADG (Law & Order) Prashant Kumar in a video address said that protests took place across 17 locations in the state.
"We have received information about protests at 17 locations so far. Some protesters set fire to one coach of a train in Ballia. In Aligarh, hooligans set ablaze the tyres of a roadways bus near Tappal. Strict monitoring of all the situations is being done," he said.
"We have also received some intelligence inputs that some organisations are further inciting it," he said.
Car Set Ablaze Inside Aligarh Police Station, Premises Vandalised
In UP's Aligarh, a car inside a police outpost set on fire by mob agitating against the Agnipath scheme. The outpost was vandalised by the miscreants.
'Will Youngsters Return Unemployed After 4 Years?': Chhattisgarh CM
Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel raised questions on the Centre's Agnipath scheme amid violence across the country.
"When a young man would return to his him home after 4 years, unemployed, will you induct such large number of people into Police force? What will become of those who don't get inducted?," he asked, as quoted by news agency ANI.
"They would have learnt to operate a gun. Where are you taking the society? Your intentions don't seem pure," he added.
IAF Chief Visits Forward Air Bases to Explain Agnipath Scheme
Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari visited the Halwara air base in Punjab. He is scheduled to visit six forward air bases to explain the details of the scheme to the air warriors.
'Opposition Misleading Agniveers': Bihar Deputy CM
Bihar deputy CM Renu Devi, whose house in Bettiah was vandalised earlier, alleged that the Opposition has misled Agniveers.
"Once every 4 years, 'Agniveers' will get a Rs 12 lakh economic package to start afresh. Priority will be given to them for loans, educational courses, CAPF. The Opposition is misleading students and their goons are destroying public property," Renu Devi told news agency ANI.
Railways Minsiter Ashwini Vaishnaw Appeals for Peace
Speaking to news agency ANI, Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw appealed to the protesters to maintain peace.
"I appeal to the youth to not indulge in violent protests and not damage the property of the Railways. Railways are the property of the country," he said.
Policeman Fires in the Air in Bihar's Danapur
A policeman fires in the air to disperse people protesting against Centre's Agnipath scheme Bihar's Danapur.
(Photo: PTI)
BJP Leader Varun Gandhi Appeals for Peace
In a video address, BJP leader Varun Gandhi appealed for peace amid violent protests against the Agnipath scheme.
Govt Must Revisit 'Agnipath' Scheme: Sharad Yadav
ormer Union minister and RJD leader Sharad Yadav on Friday said the 'Agnipath' scheme is not a reform but an "attempt to damage" the existing system of recruitment in the armed forces and demanded that the Centre should "revisit" the initiative.
"I do not agree that a young person having served for four years in the Army will get any respectable job except working as security guard in some private security agency," he said.
He said the skill they would get in the Army will have any use working in any private company.
Haryana Suspends Mobile Internet for 24 Hours
Haryana government has ordered suspension of mobile internet services, all bulk SMS services in the backdrop of protests against Agnipath scheme. The order shall be in force for next 24 hours till 4:30 pm on Saturday, 18 June.
KC Venugopal Urges Meeting of Standing Committee on Defence To Discuss Agnipath
Congress MP KC Venugopal has written to the Chairman, Parliament Standing Committee on Defence, to convene an urgent meeting at the earliest to discuss and deliberate on the Agnipath scheme which has sparked nationwide protests.
Congress Demands Agnipath Scheme Rollback
Rajya Sabha MP Deepinder Singh Hooda said the scheme should be taken back immediately and a three-year age relaxation be announced for youths who could not join the armed forces due to delays in recruitment.
"The government should immediately take back the Agnipath scheme. It is neither in favour of national security nor national interests and certainly not in favour of the country's youth," he told reporters at a press conference.
Train Services Briefly Disrupted in North 24 Parganas
Train services on the Sealdah-Bangaon route in West Bengal's district were disrupted for a brief period on Friday as a group of students held a demonstration on railway tracks against the Agnipath schem.
Around 50-60 students blocked the tracks at Thakurnagar station from 7.50 am to 9.15 am, an Eastern Railway official said, adding that trains services now are normal.
Scheme for the Youth: BJP Chief JP Nadda Lauds Agnipath Scheme
BJP president JP Nadda said it shows that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fully seized of the concerns of the country's youth and is making efforts for their bright future.
Giriraj Singh, Pralhad Joshi Hail Agnipath Scheme
Underlining that the intention of the government is very clear, and it is sensitive, Union Minister Giriraj Singh said that the recruitment process will start in a few days, and requested all youngsters to start preparing for it.
Appreciating the government's decision to raise the upper age limit under the Agnipath scheme, Union minister Pralhad Joshi said that this decision will inspire the youth of the country to show courage and serve the nation through Agnipath scheme. "Our 'Agniveer', dedicated to the service of 'Bharat Mata', will prove to be an invaluable fund for the nation," he said.
Anurag Thakur Interacts With Youth to Explain Agnipath Scheme
Amid protests, Union minister Anurag Thakur posted a video on his Twitter, in which he was seen interacting with a group of youngsters in his constituency Hamirpur and clearing their doubts about the scheme.
After House Vandalised, Bihar BJP Chief Claims Claims 'Attackers not Army Aspirants'
Bihar BJP president Sanjay Jaiswal's residence in Bettiah town was vandalised on Friday during protests against the Agnipath army recruitment scheme.
"My house here was attacked as part of a planned conspiracy. Stones were hurled and attempts were made to set it ablaze by pouring diesel. A cylinder bomb (contraption made of LPG cylinders) has also been left behind by the mob which clearly had the intention of blowing up the building," he said.
"However, CCTV cameras are installed at my home. The administration is examining these and hopefully it will take appropriate action. I was myself inside the house and I have identified at least 100 of the attackers. I must add none of them was an army aspirant," said Jaiswal, without elaborating.
Giriraj Singh Blames RJD For Bihar Unrest
BJP leader and Union minister Giriraj Singh on Friday blamed the Rashtriya Janata Dal for arson and violence over the Agnipath scheme.
"Biharis are dying in RJD's angry protests in which public properties are also being burnt. The RJD will have to answer to Bihar," said Singh, an MP from Begusarai.
Oppn Creating Controversy over Agnipath Scheme: V K Singh
Union minister and former Army chief General V K Singh (retd) accused the opposition parties of creating a controversy over the recruitment plan by "provoking" people.
Speaking to reporters at the Nagpur airport over the violent protests and opposition to Agnipath, he said: "There is no controversy in the scheme, but a controversy is being created by the opposition, which has nothing else to do. They are being surrounded by the ED. People are being told wrong things and being provoked. Where is the controversy when the scheme is yet to get started?" he said.
Army to Issue Notification on Agnipath Recruitment Process
Army to issue notification on recruitment process under Agnipath scheme by Monday, PTI reported quoting officials.
After issuance of initial notification on enrolment under the Agnipath scheme, various agencies of Army will subsequently come out with details of induction process.
The Army aimed to start training of recruits under Agnipath scheme by December and plans to deploy initial batches of recruits in operational and non-operational roles by middle of next year, officials said.
IAF To Start Selection Under Agnipath Scheme on 24 June
The selection process by Air Force under Agnipath scheme will start from 24 June, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.
Case Registered Against Unknown Persons in Delhi: Official
An official said that the Delhi Police has registered a case against unknown persons for allegedly trying to block traffic and damage a bus during the a protest on Wazirbad Road near the Khajuri Khas Flyover.
A case under sections 147 (punishment for rioting), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object) and 427 (mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered at the Khajuri Khas police station, the officer said.
Congress MP Urges Standing Committee on Defence to Convene Urgently
Congress MP KC Venugopal has urged the Chairman of Standing Committee on Defence to convene an urgent meeting to discuss and deliberate on the Agnipath scheme.
'Do Not be Violent, Understand the Scheme': Indian Navy Chief
Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar called the scheme, 'transformational' and urged protestors to remain peaceful.
"No, I didn't anticipate protests like this. I want to tell those protesting that do not be violent and remain peaceful. They should read and understand the Agnipath scheme. This is an opportunity to serve the nation," the Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said.
He added. "It is a scheme of which I was part of the initial planning team and worked on it for almost a year and a half. And, now we see the scheme coming to its completion and introduction into the armed forces."
MP: 2 Cops Injured, 15 Protestors Arrested in Indore
Protests turned violent in Madhya Pradesh's Indore, after hundreds of protesters gathered on tracks near a railway station and hurled stones and blocked a road. Meanwhile, authorities lobbed teargas shells and intiated lathi-charge.
Two policemen suffered minor injuries in stone pelting, while nearly 15 protesters were arrested, they said.
"Nearly 600 youths gathered in different groups on the tracks near Laxmibai Nagar railway station in the city, forcing the railway administration to stop a few trains," Indore police commissioner Harinarayan Chari Mishra told PTI.
Mobile Internet Suspended in 12 Districts of Bihar
The state government of Bihar has stopped internet and telephone mobile services in 12 districts, namely Kaimur, Bhojpur, Aurangabad, Rohtas, Buxar, Nawada, West Champaran, Samastipur, Lakhisarai, Begusarai, Vaishali and Saran.
The services will be halted for 48 hours, starting from 2:00 pm on 17 June.
Rs 3 Lakh Cash Looted From Railway Station in Bihar
Rs 3 lakh in cash were looted from a ticket office at Bihiya railway station in Bihar's Arrah.
"We were giving tickets to passengers, suddenly huge crowd pelted stones and set the office ablaze. They looted Rs 3 lakh cash," Ticket-counter Incharge told ANI.
340 Trains Affected Across the Country
The Indian Railways indicated that a total of 340 trains were affected in light of the unrest.
"94 Mail Express trains and 140 passenger trains were cancelled; 65 Mail Express and 30 Passenger Trains were partially cancelled; 11 Mail Express trains were diverted," the Railways stated.
Punjab CM Mann Calls for Immediate Withdrawal of Agnipath
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called for an immediate withdrawal of the Agnipath scheme, calling it an insult to the Army and loss for the youth.
"After stopping recruitment to the Army for two years, the Centre's new diktat is: stay in the Army for four years and then don't get pension," he said in a tweet.
Delhi Dy CM Sisodia Slams Agnipath Scheme
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday slammed the Agnipath scheme, saying that the youth of the country will never accept it.
"Protests across the country is proof that youth will never accept the Agnipath defence recruitment scheme," he said.
Sec 144 Imposed in Haryana's Gurugram
Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure was imposed in Haryana's Gurugram amid protests against the Agnipath scheme, The Times of India reported.
Bihar Student Bodies Call For 24-Hour Bandh in Bihar
Student organisations have called for a 24-hour strike in Bihar on 18 June to protest against the Agnipath scheme.
The organisations, led by the All India Students' Association (AISA), also found support in the Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), The Times of India reported.
5 More Trains Cancelled from West Bengal's Howrah
Five more trains originating from West Bengal's Howrah stand cancelled on 18 June due to protests in the East Central Railway jurisdiction, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the Eastern Railways said on Friday.