Agnipath protests: Four trains set ablaze in Bihar, Centre raises age limit

NEW DELHI: Protests are rife across the country against the central government’s proposed Agnipath scheme, a short-term recruitment scheme that aims to recruit youths into the armed forces for a four-year period. Violent protests were launched in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

In Bihar, the protestors set ablaze four trains, vandalized railway stations and attacked the station employees. Numerous vehicles were also set on fire by the demonstrators. The attacks against trains were launched in Bihar’s Samastipur and Mohiddinagar stations. No casualties were reported. As the protests intensified, a sum of 38 trains have been cancelled and 11 others have been partially cancelled in the state. An attack was launched against a BJP MLA’s house in Saran. Railway tracks were set on fire in Buxar, Lakhisarai and Lakhminia. Although, police were deployed in the area, they were unable to control the situation.

Widespread attacks were launched against trains in Uttar Pradesh. A train parked in the Ballia station was vandalized. Violence erupted in Mahendergarh and Ballabhgarh in Haryana. The authorities have suspended internet services in Palwal. The situation is under control in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, said the police.

The Ajmer-Delhi national highway was besieged by the demonstrators in Rajasthan. The police and protestors clashed against each other in Jodhpur.

As the situation was about to go out of control, the central government intervened into the matter, raising the age limit for the scheme to 23 from 21. “Cognizant of the fact that it has not been possible to undertake the recruitment during the last two years, it has been decided that a one-time waiver shall be granted for the proposed recruitment cycle for 2022," the government said in a statement. The misunderstandings about the scheme are baseless and further recruitments will be made, said the union home ministry. Leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have demanded to withdraw the Agnipath scheme, however, the government remains stern in its position.

Concerns and explanations

1. Short-term contract of four-years would lead the youths’ futures into uncertainty.

• These soldiers will be given priority in recruitment to central armed police forces and Assam Rifles, financial packages and bank loans. Those who wish to study further will be provided 12th grade certificate and higher education facilities.

2. Permanent appointments for only 25 per cent of Agniveers. Those above 21 years will not be considered.

• More opportunities in the army. Agniveer recruitments will be increased three times.

3. Short-term training for teenagers of 17-years-and-a-half is likely to affect the quality of the army.

• The Agniveers, who are recruited in the first year, will account for only three per cent of the forces. After four years, the best of them will be recruited to the army.

4. 21-year-olds are immature and cannot be entrusted with such responsibilities.

• The youths will never outnumber experienced soldiers in the army. The proportion will slowly be brought to a 50-50 ratio.

5. The youths with professional weapons training, when unemployed, could join terrorist and anti-national groups.

• The youths, who serve the nation in uniforms, will remain committed to India for the rest of their lives.