‘Agnipath’: Protests break out in parts of Haryana; farmers, khaps jump into stir

Tribune News Service

Sunit Dhawan

Rohtak, June 17

Widespread protests against the “Agnipath” scheme broke out in Rohtak and other parts of the state, with farmers’ organisations and khap panchayats joining the stir. 

Farm activists led by BKU (Chadhuni) leader Gurnam Singh Chadhuni began one-day fast-cum-protest demonstration in front of the Haryana BJP headquarters at Rohtak on Friday. 

A large number of students and youths reached the BJP headquarters in open jeeps and tractor-trailers bearing national flags, raising slogans against the BJP Government and Agnipath scheme. 

All-India Kisan Sabha’s Haryana chapter’s vice-president Preet Singh and Hooda khap president Om Prakash Hooda also reached the protest site and extended their support to the stir. 

Terming the Agnipath scheme anti-national and a threat to the country’s security, Chadhuni demanded its immediate withdrawal. 

“This is the BJP government’s second attack on the farming and labour communities, whose sons mostly join the armed forces. The move will prove disastrous for the nation as Army personnel recruited for four years will lack the zeal and spirit which the regular soldiers have, “ Chadhuni said while talking to The Tribune. 

He appealed to the youths not to resort to suicide or indulge in arson and violence, but participate in peaceful protests to get the Agnipath scheme withdrawn. 

Meanwhile, groups of youths staged protest demonstrations near Rajiv Gandhi stadium and Maharshi Dayanand University in Rohtak. 

Protests against the Agnipath scheme are being reported from Jhajjar, Narnaul, Faridabad and other parts of the state. 

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