Agnipath Protest: 369 Trains Cancelled, Many Arrested For Vandalism As Stir Continues On Day 4 | Updates
Agnipath Protest: 369 trains were cancelled including 210 mail/express, 159 local passenger. Students organisations called for Bihar Bandh. Ballia Police registered case against 400 unknown persons.
New Delhi: A total of 369 trains were cancelled on Saturday by the Railways as the protests against the new military recruitment scheme, Agnipath continued for the fourth day today, reported news agency PTI. Amongst the cancelled trains, 210 are mail/express trains while 159 are local passenger trains.
Two mail/express trains were also partially cancelled by the Railways thus taking the total number of trains affected during the day to 371, said an official as per the report.
The Centre's announcement of the Agnipath scheme — which proposes to recruit soldiers for four years and retire 75 percent of them without pension and other social security benefits after the end of their term — has been met with violent protests by youths in various parts of the country.
Bihar Bandh By Student Organisations
Students organisations led by the All India Students’ Association (AISA) called for a 24-hour Bihar bandh today to protest against the Agnipath scheme. The state-wide bandh was supported by state’s main opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal, reported the news agency.
The bandh was also supported by the former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s party, Hindustan Awam Morcha - Secular (HAM-S), an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
READ HERE: Agnipath Protests: Bihar Bandh Called By Students Organisations Today, RJD Extends Support
Case Aganist 400 Unknown Persons In UP's Ballia
In connection with the vandalism and violence that took place during protests against Centre's Agnipath scheme, the Ballia Police on Saturday registered cases against 400 unkown persons, reported the news agency. The Government Railway Police too has registered cases against 150 unknown persons, SHO (GRP) Raghvendra Yadav said.
Circle officer Priti Tripathi on Saturday said, "Based on the complaint lodged by the station master of Ballia railway station, a case was registered at 3.30 am against 400 unknown persons under the Railway Act, IPC and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act." "The 109 arrested persons were presented at the court of the city magistrate, who sent them to 14 days of judicial custody," she said.
Meanhwile, 30 people were arrested by the Aligarh Police while an FIR was lodged against 150 protestors in Gautam Buddh Nagar district as per the report.
Sonia Gandhi Terms Move ‘Directionless’
Congress president Sonia Gandhi cornered the Narendra Modi-led central government over the Agnipath scheme terming it “directionless” adding that it was unfortunate the Centre has been ignoring the voice of the youth.
“I am sad that the government has ignored your voice and announced a new scheme that is completely directionless,” she said.
“Several ex-servicemen and defence specialists have also raised questions on this scheme,” she added.
The Congress president also appealed to the youth to adopt non-violent and peaceful means to fight for their demands. “I appeal to all of you to protest peacefully in a non-violent manner. The Indian National Congress is with you,” she said in her message.
READ HERE: Agnipath Scheme: Sonia Gandhi Terms Move ‘Directionless’, Targets Govt For Ignoring Voice Of Youth
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