Agnipath Protests Live: Over 600 Trains Cancelled; Congress Leaders Meet Kovind
The defence ministry on Sunday warned that those taking part in the protests will not be inducted in the army.
Agnipath Scheme Protests Live: As protests against the Union government's new Agnipath scheme entered the sixth day, security has been ramped up across states in view of a Bharat Bandh called on Monday, 20 June.
(Photos from PTI)
Agnipath Scheme Protests Bharat Bandh Live Updates: As protests against the Union government's new Agnipath scheme entered their sixth day, Congress leaders on Monday, 20 June, met President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan to discuss the row and raised the mistreatment of MPs by the police during the demonstrations.
Earlier on Monday, the Indian Army notified that the recruitment under the much-contended Agnipath scheme will begin on 22 July.
At least 600 trains were cancelled, and massive traffic jams were reported from the Delhi-Gurugram and Delhi-Noida borders as police checked passing vehicles.
The Indian Youth Congress workers also stopped a train by blocking a railway track at Delhi's Shivaji Bridge railway station, near Connaught Place.
Senior Congress leaders including Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghel staged a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar on Monday morning
After protracted protests over the new army recruitment policy, the government has announced some concessions in the scheme
The Defence Ministry on Sunday warned that those taking part in the protests against the scheme will not be inducted in the army
As many as 35 WhatsApp groups were banned by the Centre on Sunday for allegedly spreading fake news about Agnipath
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Anand Mahindra Promises Jobs to ‘Agniveers’
Promising jobs to 'agniveers,' Anand Mahindra, chairperson of Mahindra and Mahindra, said in a tweet on Monday, "Large potential for employment of Agniveers in the corporate sector. With leadership, teamwork and physical training, agniveers provide market-ready professional solutions to industry, covering the full spectrum from operations to administration and supply chain management."
Preventive Measures Taken in View of Bharat Bandh
Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla chaired a virtual meeting of director generals of police and chief secretaries of all states on Sunday to review Bharat Bandh called to protest against the Agnipath scheme.
Since it was not clear which organisation has called for the bandh, the government has taken preventive measures based on social media posts.
Section 144 Imposed in Gautam Budh Nagar
Section 144 was imposed in Gautam Budh Nagar (Noida) in the backdrop of the bandh call on Monday. Noida police has asked people not to disrupt law and order.
Schools Shut in Jharkhand
Schools will remain shut on Monday in Jharkhand amid the bandh call. The ongoing examinations of classes 9 and 11 have also been postponed, news agency PTI reported quoting officials.
Congress Workers To Hold Peaceful Protests
Congress has said that lakhs of party workers will hold peaceful protests on Monday against the Agnipath scheme and the central government's "vendetta politics" in targeting Rahul Gandhi.
Congress leader Ajay Maken said on Monday that they will sit on Satyagraha at Jantar Mantar today and will President Ram Nath Kovind at 5 pm to demand that the Agnipath scheme be withdrawn.
He added that the scheme should first be discussed with the youth and in Parliament, "but before that, it should be withdrawn."
Farmers to Protest Against the Scheme
Farmers will hold a protest against the Agnipath scheme between 12 pm and 3 pm at Gangayacha toll plaza located on Rewari-Rohtak highway, NDTV reported.
Massive Traffic Jam at Delhi-Gurugram Border
There is a massive traffic jam on the Sarhaul border at Delhi-Gurugram expressway as Delhi Police checks vehicles in wake of the Bharat Bandh called against Agnipath scheme.
Heavy traffic jam on Delhi-Gurugram expressway as Delhi Police begins checking of vehicles in wake of 'Bharat Bandh,' called to protest against Centre's 'Agnipath' scheme, in Gurugram, Monday, 20 June.
Security Deployed at Vijaywada Junction Railway Station
Security has been deployed at Andhra Pradesh's Vijayawada Junction railway station in wake of Bharat Bandh. Barbed wires have also been put up.
Meanwhile, additional police forces have been deployed in all prime locations of the city.
BT Valleswara, Senior Divisional Security Commissioner, told ANI that precautions have been taken at major railway stations throughout Vijaywada division.
Staff has also been deployed where empty rakes/trains are placed at railway stations. Valleswara added that regular info is being taken from the Intelligence team.
Congress Holds Satyagraha Against Agnipath Scheme
Congress leaders and workers hold Satyagraha against the government's Agnipath scheme and "vendetta politics" at Jantar Mantar.
Heavy Traffic at Noida-Delhi Link Road at Chilla Border
Heavy traffic can be observed at Noida-Delhi Link Road at Chilla border due to security checks by UP Police in wake of Bharat Bandh against the Agnipath scheme.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Police (ADCP) Noida, Ranvijay Singh said, "We're ensuring that no protester can pass through here, we're coordinating with Delhi Police."
Heavy traffic jam as commuters travel from Noida to Delhi amid increased security due to Bharat Bandh.
Security Arrangements Tightened at UP's Gorakhpur
Railway Protection Force (RPF) Inspector General (IG) Tarique Ahmad said that full arrangements have been made. Everyone including Government Railway Police, RPF, civil police have been deployed in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur.
He also appealed to the students not to get "misled by anti-social elements," ANI reported.
Over 500 Trains Cancelled: Ministry of Railways
More than 500 trains were cancelled on Monday with operations again disrupted by protests against the Agnipath defence recruitment scheme.
While 539 trains were affected, 529 trains were cancelled.
The Ministry of Railways said that 181 Mail Express trains have been cancelled, while 348 passenger trains have been cancelled. Further, four Mail Express and six passenger trains have been partially cancelled.
Congress Workers Stopped by Delhi Police
Congress workers, including former MP Dr Udit Raj, were stopped by Delhi Police on their way to Jantar Mantar.
The party said in a tweet, "This police scuffle with a former MP @Dr_Uditraj ji shows that BJP is ready for dictatorship. But they should remember that the struggle of Congress continues."
Youth Congress Stops Train at Delhi's Shivaji Bridge Station, Protests at CP
Indian Youth Congress workers stopped a train by blocking a railway track at Delhi's Shivaji Bridge railway station, near Connaught Place.
The track was later cleared by the police and security personnel and train movement resumed.
IYC members also staged protests at nearby Connaught Place.
Issue of Platform Tickets Restricted in Chennai Over Protests
In view of the Bharat Bandh and to safeguard the safety of passengers, the issue of platform tickets is restricted at all railway stations over Chennai division of Southern Railway.
Security Tightened in Punjab
Heavy security deployed at the Jalandhar railway station in Punjab amid protests.
DCP Jagmohan Singh said that 80 percent of the city's force was deputed to contain the demonstrations.
Congress Stages Sit-In at Jantar Mantar
Senior Congress leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot are staging a sit-in at Jantar Mantar to protest the Agnipath scheme as well as the ED's interrogation of Rahul Gandhi.
'People Are Screaming, Crying': Salman Khurshid on Agnipath
"What problem will we have if the people, for whom this has been brought, are satisfied? But they are not, they are screaming and crying. It is our duty to present their tears, the cause of their sorrow before the nation," senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid was quoted as saying by ANI in Delhi, alluding to the Agnipath scheme.
'BJP Trying To Fool People With Agnipath Ahead of 2024 Elections': Mamata Banerjee
The BJP is trying to fool people with schemes like ‘Agnipath' ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha polls, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said in the state Assembly on Monday.
Terming the scheme as an insult to the armed forces, Banerjee also wondered whether the BJP plans to hire ‘Agniveer' soldiers as "watchmen" at its party offices, after their four-year service period.
"The BJP is trying to create its own armed cadre base through this scheme. What will they do after four years? The party wants to give arms into the hands of the youth," the TMC supremo said.
"They had promised two crore jobs every year. But, now they are only fooling the people of the country in the name of these schemes,” she added.
In Photos: Bharat Bandh
Heavy traffic jam as commuters travel from Noida to Delhi amid increased security due to Bharat Bandh.
Security personnel stand near the main tunnel of the newly inaugurated Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor Project, in New Delhi.
Recruitment Under Agnipath From 22 July, Army Notifies
Recruitment under the much-contended Agnipath scheme will begin on 22 July, the Army has notified.
16 People Detained for Obstructing Train in Delhi
At least 16 people have been detained and legal action is being initiated against them for obstructing a train at Delhi's Shivaji Bridge railway station, the police told The Quint.
AAP Students' Wing Protests Against Agnipath
Members of Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS), student wing of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) raised slogans during a protest against the Centre's Agnipath scheme, in Delhi.
Police Personnel Stand Guard Outside Varanasi Cantt Station
Security personnel stood guard outside Varanasi Cantt railway station in wake of protests against the Agnipath scheme.
Activists Protesting Against Agnipath Scheme Detained in Chennai
Police personnel detained Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) activists during their protest amid Bharat Bandh, called to protest against Centre's Agnipath scheme, outside Shastri Bhavan in Chennai.
NRF Cancels 26 Trains
Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR) Monday cancelled at least 26 trains due to violent agitations against 'Agnipath' scheme of the Centre and damages wrecked by flood at several locations in Assam, an NFR official said.
A number of trains have also been short terminated, short originated, diverted or rescheduled, he added.
Besides those cancelled on Monday, while another five have been cancelled for Tuesday, NFR chief public relations officer Sabyasachi De said.
Businessman Harsh Goenka Speaks Out in Support of Agnipath
RPG Enterprises chairperson Harsh Goenka on Monday came out in support of the Agnipath scheme. Responding to Anand Mahindra's tweet, Goenka said: "The RPG group too welcomes the opportunity to employ the Agniveers. I do hope other corporates will also join us to take this pledge and assure our youths of a future."
'Agniveers Will Have Distinct Advantage': Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Business tycoon Kiran Mazumdar Shaw tweeted to say that "Agniveers will have a distinct advantage in recruitment in the industrial job market."
Apollo Hospitals MD Speaks Out in Support of Agnipath
Apollo Hospitals Group, Joint Managing Director Sangita Reddy said in a tweet: "I firmly believe the discipline & skills that #Agniveers will gain will provide market-ready prof sol 4 R industry I sincerely hope r industry support recruiting such capable young people."
'Agnipath an Insult to Late CDS Bipin Rawat': Ajay Maken
Launching an offensive against the Centre over the Agnipath scheme, the Congress on Monday cited late Gen Bipin Rawat's 2020 proposal to raise soldiers and officers' retirement age to ask if the new recruitment plan was not an insult to the approach of India's first chief of defence staff.
Congress General Secretary Ajay Maken said Gen Rawat had advocated raising the retirement age of soldiers to 58 years.
"A circular dated October 2020 of the time of late CDS Gen Bipan Rawat is there and also his interview where he says soldiers retire after 17 years, but their retirement age should be raised to 58 years," Maken said.
"He says raising this age will help jawans serve the country better. Is Agnipath not an insult to the thoughts of Gen Rawat?" Maken asked.
Security Tightened Outside Amritsar Railway Station
Security personnel patrolled outside Amritsar railway station in wake of protests against the Central governments Agnipath scheme.
Cong Leaders March to Rashtrapati Bhavan, Meet Prez Kovind
A delegation of Congress leaders, including Ashok Gehlot, Bhupesh Baghel, and Mallikarjun Kharge, met President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday evening, to raise concerns over the new Agnipath scheme.
The Congress delegation comprised Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, senior leaders P Chidambaram, Jairam Ramesh and K C Venugopal.
Party leaders, who have been protesting since morning, marched towards the Rashtrapati Bhavan from Vijay Chowk.
Prez to Look into Police Atrocities on Our Leaders: Chidambaram
Following the meet with President Kovind, Congress leader P Chidambaram said, " The second memorandum is about the police atrocities on Congress leaders. We have asked the President to cause an enquiry into this and send the matter to the Parliamentary Privileges Committee."
"We will present our case and let the Delhi Police and the MHA present their case. Let the committee decide whether there has been a breach or not. The President has assured us that he will look into it and take it up with the government," he added.
595 Trains Cancelled Today: Railway Ministry
As per the Union Ministry of Railways, over 595 trains including 208 mail express and 379 passenger trains were cancelled on Monday amid the Agnipath scheme protests.
Further, 4 mail express and 6 passenger trains were partially cancelled.
Bharat Bandh Had No Impact in UP: Police
The ‘Bharat Bandh' call against the ‘Agnipath' scheme of the central government has had no impact in Uttar Pradesh and the situation in the state is fully under control, a senior police officer said, reported PTI.
Thirty-nine cases were lodged and 475 people were arrested, of whom 330 were arrested under “serious” sections for protesting against the scheme, as per the officer.
Agnipath Will Compromise India's Security: AAP
The Agnipath scheme will not only make the future of recruits uncertain but also "compromise" with India's security, the AAP claimed on Monday and exhorted the protesters to shun violence and prepare a plan to sustain the "movement" against the new military recruitment plan.
The party's Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson Sanjay Singh asserted that the Narendra Modi government will have to eventually withdraw the scheme if the protest against it continues in a democratic manner sans violence.
"I want to tell the youth that you prepare a plan to sustain your movement for a longer period so that pressure is built on the (Union) government. This movement will not continue for long through violence," he said.
16 Arrested After Youth Cong Workers Stop Train at Shivaji Bridge Railway Station
Youth Congress Workers stopped the Nanded Express at Shivaji Bridge Railway station on Monday morning in protest against the Agniveer Scheme and the ED's interrogation of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, said Harendra K Singh, DCP, Railways.
ACP Railways and SHO New Delhi Railway Station reached the spot, and in coordination with RPF, the demonstrators were removed from the track. The train resumed thereafter.
A total of 15 men and one woman was arrested and case has been registered by the RPF under Section 174A (Obstructing Running of Train) and Section 147 (Trespass) Railways Act at New Delhi Railway Station.
612 Trains Affected in Light of Protests
Over 600 trains were cancelled on Monday with operations again disrupted by protests against the Agnipath defence recruitment scheme.
Of the 612 trains affected, 602 trains were cancelled, including 223 mail and express trains and 379 passengers trains, the Railways said in a statement.
Four mail and express trains and six passenger trains were partially cancelled.
The worst-affected zone was the East Central Railway, which is headquartered at Hajipur and comprises Sonpur, Samastipur, Danapur, Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, and Dhanbad divisions. In this zone, around 350 trains remain cancelled, including those that pass through it.