At least 260 people have been arrested across Uttar Pradesh over the ‘Agnipath’ protests, that has seen hordes of angry youth storming railway premises across cities and small towns and laying siege to highways.
The youth are opposed to the newly launched scheme by the Indian Government which has limited the jobs in the Indian Army for a span of four years. Once the aspirant makes it to the Army, he/ she will be ousted after four years. Only 25 percent of the candidates would continue their services after four years based on the recommendation of their seniors.
Providing information, the Police said that 109 people were arrested in Ballia, 70 in Mathura, 30 in Aligarh, 27 in Varanasi Commissonerate and 15 in Gautam Buddha Nagar Commissonerate, reported news agency ANI.
The Police in Bihar, meanwhile arrested, 72 people have been arrested in Patna, 30 in Hyderabad. In Delhi, 19 people were held by Delhi Police while opposing the Agnipath defence recruitment plan.
Meanwhile, protests against ‘Agnipath’ left Bihar in flames on Friday when rampaging mobs set fire to BJP offices, dozens of trains, prompting the police to suspend internet services in several parts of the state.
Train services at Secunderabad Railway Station, where Police opened fire on protesters killing one job aspirant and injuring fourteen others, have been partially restored.