NEW DELHI: Some organisations have called for a statewide shutdown, or ‘Bharat Bandh,’ on Monday, following protests in more than 10 states over the government’s new ‘Agnipath‘ military recruiting programme last week. This comes a day after military officials ruled out reversing the plan and disclosed recruitment timeframes.
A top military officer also warned the demonstrators. “The cornerstone of the Indian Army is discipline. No room exists for vandalism or arson. Each person will be forced to give evidence that they did not participate in protests or vandalism. “Police verification is required; without it, no one can join,” stated Lieutenant General Anil Puri, additional secretary of the department of military affairs, at a Sunday news conference.
The new program’s recruits will be known as “Agniveers.” On Monday, a team of Congress leaders will meet with President Ram Nath Kovind amid opposition criticism.
Effects of Bharat Bandh On Various States
Several states’ security officers, notably those in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, are on high alert in response to the shutdown call. On June 14, defence minister Rajnath Singh presented a recruiting strategy, which resulted in widespread acts of vandalism, including the torching of trains and the mobilisation of protesters on the streets. More than a thousand individuals have been detained, most of them from Bihar.
In Jharkhand, schools are closed ahead of the announcement of a shutdown. “Tomorrow, June 20, all Jharkhand schools will be closed due to the Bharat Bandh called for by different parties. The choice was chosen with an excess of care.” Rajesh Sharma, Education Department Secretary said.
Saturday’s demonstrations at the Ludhiana train station prompted Punjab to maintain vigilance. While criticising the idea, chief minister Bhagwant Mann has urged the government to rescind the programme.
The border city of Faridabad, Haryana, has issued a warning to protesters. “Considering the possibility of antisocial behaviour during the bandh, videography will be conducted. If at any moment the route gets congested or obstructed, the blockage will be cleaned in conjunction with the relevant supervisory officer, station manager, or duty magistrate by speaking with the strikers. No one will be allowed to disobey the law.” Sube Singh, the Police Spokesperson added.
Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code has been enforced in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, which is near the national capital. Last week’s violent protests on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida allegedly resulted in more than 200 arrests. “This is to remind everyone that section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code has already been implemented in the Gautam Buddh Nagar Commissionerate. On the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida, an FIR would be filed against anyone discovered engaging in illegal activities, and they would be subject to severe punishment.
Apparently, more than 400 trains were impacted by the disturbances. During the protests, train stations were attacked, necessitating the cancellation and diversion of dozens of trains. Over the weekend, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led talks with army commanders to examine the Agnipath controversy.
