Lt Gen Anil Puri, additional secretary of the Department of Military Affairs said during a press briefing on Sunday, 19 June, that applicants for the Centre's Agnipath scheme will have to give a written pledge that they were not part of protest or vandalism.
He asserted that there is no place for indiscipline in the Armed Forces.
He also said that the "reservations for 'Agniveers' announced by the different ministries and departments was "pre-planned and not in reaction to the arson that happened after the Agnipath scheme announcement".
Meanwhile, as protests against the Indian government's new Agnipath scheme entered their fifth day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met the three Services chiefs (of the army, the navy, and the air force) on Sunday, 19 June, amid nationwide protests against the Agnipath scheme, ANI reported, quoting sources.
369 trains were cancelled across the country on Saturday due to protests
The Indian Air Force has released details of the Centre's Agnipath recruitment scheme, laying down eligibility criteria, selection process, and the benefits
620 people have been arrested in Bihar over the protests
Eight trains were cancelled and six were rescheduled, East Central Railway said on Sunday about its zone
10 BJP MLAs in Bihar including two deputy CMs Tarkishore Prasad and Renu Devi have been given ‘Y’ category security
Congress Party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday, during a 'Satyagraha' at Jantar Mantar, said that the scheme will "kill the youth of the country, will finish Army"
Rajasthan Congress Protests Against Agnipath, Demands Withdrawal
The Congress on Sunday held a protest in Jaipur against the Centre's 'Agnipath' scheme and demanded its withdrawal in the "interest" of the youth and the country.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot alleged the government introduced the scheme in a hurry which created resentment among the youth and the general public.
"The Prime Minister should understand the sentiments of the youth and withdraw the scheme within time. The decision was taken without any debate and in a hurry. It is being opposed across the country," Gehlot told reporters at the Amar Jawan Jyoti where the party leaders gathered for the protest.
Opposition Doing Politics on National Security Issues To Destabilise Govt: BJP’s Sambit Patra
Amid burgeoning protests against the Agnipath military recruitment scheme, the BJP on Sunday accused the opposition parties of doing politics on issues of national security and armed forces just to destabilise the government.
Terming the Congress' 'Satyagraha' in support of Agnipath protests "pure politics", he claimed it was "forcing" officials of the three services of the military to appeal to people not to get involved in arson.
Would Give Priority to Agniveers for Security at BJP Office: Says Vijayvargiya, Kejriwal Hits Back
mid protests over the Agnipath scheme for recruitment into the armed forces, BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Sunday said if he has to hire the services of professionals to arrange security at the party office, he would give priority to those who have served as Agniveer soldiers.
He also attacked the Congress over its opposition to the Agnipath scheme, saying it was only concerned about power and not about the country.
The senior BJP leader also claimed that the implementation of the Agnipath scheme is not a political decision.
In response, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal criticised the BJP leader for assuming young people who train to join the armed forces want the job of a security guard.
"Do not disrespect the youth and army personnel of the country so much. The youth of our country work hard day and night to pass the physical exam, pass the test because they want to serve the country for their whole life by joining the army, not because they want to be a guard outside the BJP office," Kejriwal tweeted.
Train Services in Tamil Nadu Continue to be Hit by Protests
Southern Railway on Sunday said it has cancelled some more trains due to the agitation against the Centre's Agnipath.
Protests have been on across country since Friday against the scheme under which young people would be provided an opportunity to serve in the armed forces as 'Agniveer' for a period of four years, including the period of training.
In an official announcement today, Southern Railway said the KSR Bengaluru-Sanghamitra Daily Express in both directions has been cancelled while KSR Bengaluru-Patna Weekly Humsafar Super Fast Express stands cancelled immediately.
Similarly, Gaya-MGR Chennai Central Weekly Express, scheduled to leave Chennai today, was cancelled while KSR Bengaluru-New Tinsukia Weekly Superfast Express operated on Mondays has been cancelled.
Southern Railway said it partially cancelled New Tinsukia-KSR Bengaluru Weekly Express between Harisinga and KSR Bengaluru.