Ahead of Bharat Bandh, security prep underway in states

Armed forces warned that those who indulged in violence, arson will not be inducted

ITDC INDIA EPRESS/ITDC INDIA NEWS R Police forces in different states are on standby amidst calls for bharat bandh today by some organisations protesting against the Centre's 'Agnipath' army recruitment scheme. Both Kerala and Noida police forces have issued public warnings against violence or destruction of public property.

While the government is standing its ground on the contentious 'Agnipath' scheme for short-term recruitment in the armed forces, the three services of the military on Sunday came out with a broad schedule of enrolment under the new policy and warned those who indulged in violence and arson will not be inducted.

There was a comparative lull after the stormy protests which rocked several states during the past four days including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Telangana, while peaceful agitations were held in several places. However, the Indian Railway, which endured the brunt of the violence, cancelled 483 train on Sunday due to protests.

As many as 35 WhatsApp groups that were allegedly spreading fake news about the scheme were banned by the government, officials said. In a stern warning to those indulging in destructive protests over the scheme, Lt Gen Anil Puri, additional secretary in the Department of Military Affairs, said youths who were involved in arson and violence will not be able to join the three services as a police verification process will be carried out before enrolling anyone. He also said the aspirants will have to pledge they were not part of protests or incidents of arson.

Meanwhile, stepping up its attack on the Centre, the Congress held a 'Satyagraha' in the national capital in support of those protesting the scheme, with party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urging the youth to recognise "fake nationalists" and ensure that a new government is formed in the country which shows "real patriotism".

"There is no space for indiscipline in the armed forces. There is no space for arson and violence. All those who want to become a part of the armed forces under the Agnipath scheme will have to give a certificate that they were not part of any arson," Puri told a press conference addressed by top military officials.

Responding to a question on whether the government proposed to review or roll back the scheme because of the protests, Lt Gen Puri shot back, "No, why should there be a rollback?"

The tri-services media briefing at the Defence Ministry took place hours after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with the chiefs of the Army, Navy and the Air Force on Sunday for the second straight day.