Jehanabad/Buxar/Gaya, June 18 (Agency)
Protests against the Agneepath scheme continued in many parts of Bihar for the fourth consecutive day. Protesters torched several vehicles, including a truck and a bus, parked inside the Tehta police post complex in Jehanabad district on Saturday. Road transport services were affected in Gaya, Buxar, Jehanabad and some other parts of the state on Saturday and most shops and other commercial establishments closed except for emergency services in view of the state-wide bandh called by student organizations led by the Left All India Students’ Union (AISA). are.
Various political parties, including Bihar’s main opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), which are in power in the state, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), have extended their support to the Bihar bandh. On the other hand, in view of the possibility of damage, many trains either canceled or stopped their operations. Meanwhile, the Bihar government on Friday suspended internet services in 12 districts till June 19 in the backdrop of widespread violence across the state over the issue of Agneepath scheme. According to the order issued by the Home Department, internet services have been suspended in Kaimur, Bhojpur, Aurangabad, Rohtas, Buxar, Nawada, West Champaran, Samastipur, Lakhisarai, Begusarai, Vaishali and Saran districts.
The authorities have also imposed a complete ban on the gathering of five or more people in several districts of the state to avoid any untoward incident. A senior police officer said, “In view of the ongoing protests in Bihar against the central government’s Agneepath scheme for armed forces, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) has been imposed in some districts of the state.” A large number of protesters gathered near Tehta police post in Jehanabad district at around 8.30 am on Saturday and started pelting stones at the security personnel. Later, the protesters torched several vehicles, including a truck and a bus, parked inside the police post, according to officials. Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry on Saturday announced 10 per cent reservation for ‘Agniveers’ in the recruitment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also decided to relax the upper age limit by three years for the recruitment of ‘Agniveers’ in CAPFs and Assam Rifles.
