Agnipath protest: Protests intensified and turned violent in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana and West Bengal against the Centre’s recently launched Agneepath recruitment scheme, with railway services affected due to disruptions and possible violence. At least nine trains have been canceled in West Bengal, while nine trains have been canceled due to the ongoing ruckus in the railway sector, reported ANI. According to officials, around 35 trains have been canceled since the protests began on Wednesday, while 13 trains have been canceled across India. The worst-affected East Central Railway – which includes parts of Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh, states that have met with widespread protests – has also decided to “monitor” the operation of eight trains due to the agitation.
Here is the list of few trains affected due to Agneepath protest
- 12303 Howrah – New Delhi Poorva Express
- 12353 HOWRAH – LALKUAN EXPRESS
- 18622 Ranchi – Patna Patliputra Express
- 18182 Danapur – Tata Express
- 22387 HOWRAH – DHANBAD BLACK DIAMOND EXPRESS
- 13512 ASANsol – TATA EXPRESS
- 13032 Jaynagar – Howrah Express
- 13409 Malda Town – Kiul Express
Also canceled are two ECR trains – 12335 Malda Town – Lokmanya Tilak (T) Express and 12273 Howrah – New Delhi Duronto Express.
However, details about other canceled trains were not immediately available.
After the cancellation, angry mobs have targeted trains and railway property to protest against the Centre’s Agneepath scheme for recruitment in the armed forces on short-term contract basis. Protesters set a train on fire in Bihar on Thursday. Similar incidents have happened in Uttar Pradesh and Bengal as well.
Violent protesters damaged three trains running in ECR and one empty rake in Kulhariya (also in ECR). A coach of a train parked in a washing line in Uttar Pradesh’s Ballia was also damaged.
Agneepath Recruitment Scheme
The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Agneepath Recruitment Scheme for Indian youth to serve in the Armed Forces. Under this scheme, about 46,000 soldiers in the age group of 17 and a half years to 21 years will be recruited on a four-year contract in the three services. The youth selected under this scheme will be known as firefighters.
Why are students against the Centre’s Agneepath recruitment scheme?
The students are mainly opposing the fixed four-year tenure. They also argue that the Center is cutting benefits under the scheme from those who risk their lives for national security.
Many of them alleged that the Center was not appointing ‘Agnivar’ but “Bali ka bakra” (scapegoat) for four years. Speaking to news agency ANI on participating in the agitation, a protester expressed concern over the next step after serving for four years in the army as only 25 per cent of the soldiers would be enrolled in the regular cadre.
(With inputs from ANI and PTI)