The Bharat bandh against the Agnipath recruitment scheme called by unnamed organisations on social media platforms disrupted normal life in some parts of the country on Monday. Road and rail traffic was disrupted for the fifth day due to the protests. Meanwhile, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), the umbrella organisation of about 300 farmers’ organisations, decided to hold nationwide protests of farmers against the scheme on June 24.
Police and other authorities in several States had a tough time in controlling the mobs of protesters. Curbs, including a ban on gatherings, are on in several areas to stop vandalism. The Railways had to cancel 529 trains on Monday due to disruptions. “These included 181 mail/express trains and 348 passenger trains,” a statement said.
Delhi too witnessed massive traffic blocks due to the protests by the Opposition parties and organisations of youth and students. The Indian Youth Congress blocked a train at the Shivaji Bridge station and police removed 16 protesters to clear the tracks. The capital was under tight security of the Delhi Police. Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab, Assam, West Bengal and Rajasthan also witnessed protests.
