Agnipath protests: Bandhs, school closures and the Section 144 make a comeback

• Around 491 train services have been affected throughout the country, due to the ongoing agitation.
• Schools in Jharkhand remain closed today amid Bharat Bandh called out over the Agnipath recruitment scheme.
• To tackle the ongoing violent agitation, the state government imposed section 144 in various districts and cities.

The Agnipath scheme has triggered protests across the country. Army aspirants from states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have been violently opposing the radical changes in the recruitment scheme that discharges 75% of the recruits within four years without pension.

Around 491 train services have been affected throughout the country, due to the ongoing agitation. As many as 229 mail express and 254 passenger trains have been canceled, while eight mail express have been partially canceled, as of June 19, according to an ANI report.

Schools in Jharkhand remain closed today amid Bharat Bandh called out over the Agnipath recruitment scheme. Rajesh Sharma, secretary of the education department said the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure. The ongoing examinations of class IX and XII have also been postponed.

The government, on the other hand, is in no mood to back down after increasing the age limit of Agniveer recruits to 23. In fact, on Sunday, June 19, it released a statement that youngsters involved in the violent protest shall not be inducted into the armed forces and also clarified that the scheme. The recruitment scheme will kick-off next week and will begin in November-December.

To tackle the ongoing violent agitation, the state government imposed section 144 in various districts and cities. Section 144 prohibits gatherings of four or more people.

1. Gurugram
The Gurugram district administration on June 20, imposed the Section 144 as precautionary measures even though no protest or agitation was reported against the Agnipath scheme.

Deputy commissioner said in a statement that the order was issued as the protest was likely to continue. “This may have created obstruction, disturbance or interference in the maintenance of law and order,” he said.

Some protestors tried to interrupt rail services in Haily Mandi. However, they were stopped by the police before they could reach the location, reportedly.

2. Kota, Dholpur and Jaipur — Rajasthan
The Rajasthan government, on June 18, imposed this section amid the ongoing violent protest in Kota till July 18; and in Dholpur district till July 25 to maintain peace and harmony.

Jaipur Police Commsionerate, on Sunday, June 19, passed a similar order for nearly two months. Additional Commissioner of Police Ajay Pal Lamba said that the protestors were damaging the public property and vitiating the communal harmony through social media.

Earlier on Friday, June 17, protests were held in Jaipur, Sikar, Kota, Chittorgarh and Alwar district.

3. Ayodhya and Ballia
Balia District Magistrate Saumya Agarwal imposed Section 144 for the next two months. No person will not be allowed to perform or be part of any protest, which adversely affects the peace and order.

Similarly, Ayodhya SSP Shailesh Kumar Pandey appealed to the people not to cause any harm to public property and imposed Section 144 amid ongoing protests.

4. Faridabad
Haryana’s district beefed up the security measures and imposed Section 144 in the district on June 16. Police commissioner Vikas Kumar Arora issued a warning that strict action will be taken against rioters.

The police commissioner also informed that CCTV cameras were installed in important areas and points and the police are on continuous surveillance.

5. Noida
Amid a call for Bharat Bandh on Monday, Gautam Buddh Nagar police on Sunday imposed Section 144 in the district and appealed to the people to not engage in any activity that disrupts law and order.

So far, 225 people have been booked and 15 have been arrested in connection with the violent protest at the Jewar toll plaza on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida on Friday.

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