Agnipath protest: Agitators block traffic, vandalise railway station in Ludhiana
Chandigarh, June 18: As the protests against the Centre's controversial Agnipath scheme continue across India, angry youth in Punjab blocked traffic in certain parts of the state and vandalised Ludhiana railway station on Saturday.
According to reports, some masked protesters broke into the Ludhiana railway station at around 10.50 am on Saturday. Despite police presence at the railway station, angry youth vandalised the railway station and tried to set the train on fire.
The police have reportedly arrested 10 youths.
Meanwhile, thousands of youths gathered in Jalandhar and staged a protest at PAP Chowk. Youths from across the area protested against the Agnipath scheme, blocking roads and National Highway for several hours.
However, the Jalandhar Commissionerate dispersed the protesters and brought the situation under control.
Protest marches were also held in Chandigarh's Sector 26. According to information received, the youth are planning a march from Sector 26 to Raj Bhawan, owing to which the administration has deployed heavy security.
Also Read | Agnipath protests turn violent: Vehicles set afire in Bihar, 260 arrested in UP
Meanwhile, a meeting of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with three military chiefs, General Manoj Pande, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari and Admiral R Hari Kumar is underway. The top officials are anticipated to discuss the Agnipath scheme.
Notably, protests erupted in various parts of the country against the new recruitment scheme in the Armed Forces. The protests also turned violent as trains were set ablaze in several states across the country.
Meanwhile, in a key development, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday decided to reserve 10 percent vacancies for recruitments in CAPFs and Assam Rifles for Agniveers.
In addition, the Home Ministry decided to grant Agniveers a three-year age exemption above the specified upper age restriction for enlistment into the CAPFs and Assam Rifles.
The Home Ministry announced on Twitter that the first wave of Agniveers would receive an additional 5 years of age relaxation.
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-PTC News
