New Delhi: Student organizations in Bihar protest against the Centre’s newly launched ‘Agneepath’ recruitment scheme for the armed forces, finding support in the opposition RJD as they called for a 24-hour statewide bandh on Saturday (June 18, 2022). Various political parties like RJD, Hum and VIP have extended their support to the Bihar bandh called by various youth organizations of the state today. A bandh has been called in Bihar amid the ongoing violence for the last three days and on Friday also several railway properties were attacked and vandalised.
Left-wing All India Students’ Union (AISA)-led organizations have demanded an immediate withdrawal of the scheme, which proposes recruitment in the armed forces for a period of four years, after which at least 75 per cent is compulsory. retirement has been granted. of workers without any pension benefits.
Large-scale protests have been taking place in many parts of the country since Wednesday against the Agneepath scheme. Bihar witnessed the highest number of incidents of violence and arson in the ongoing protests. On Friday, the houses of Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Renu Devi and Bihar BJP President and West Champaran MP Sanjay Jaiswal were attacked. Following protests in Muzaffarpur, Begusarai, Buxar over the past few days, rail traffic in the state has been blocked and train coaches set on fire.
In view of the violent protests, the authorities suspended internet service in 12 districts, about a third of the state. So far, the authorities have made around 320 arrests in the last three days and 60 FIRs have been registered in connection with the violent protests in the state.
Read also | Anger over Agneepath scheme: How protests unfold across the country – Pics. In
Bharat Bandh on 18th June: What is open and what is closed
Private and government offices may be affected
Road traffic is likely to be disrupted due to Bharat Bandh.
Train services are likely to be affected.
The market is likely to remain closed today.
Political reactions to Agneepath protest
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) made a fresh appeal to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government to review the Agneepath scheme, and assured the protesting youth that their future would not be adversely affected by the new recruitment policy. .
Additionally, RJD’s Bihar unit president Jagdanand Singh supported the 24-hour Bihar bandh and said, “We support those who are agitating on the streets to protest ‘Agneepath’ recruitment. New in the armed forces Short-term recruitment scheme is not in the interest of the youth of the country.”
On the other hand, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) President Chirag Paswan said that he along with party workers will meet Governor Fagu Chauhan on Saturday and will submit a memorandum demanding withdrawal of the scheme. “Agneepath scheme will increase unemployment in the country. This will spread discontent among the youth,” Paswan said.