The Uttar Pradesh Police on Friday said that it was strictly monitoring the law and order situation in the state and informed that intelligence inputs suggested that some organisations were inciting violence and the protests.
Responding to the protests here on Friday, ADG (Law & Order) Prashant Kumar said that the protesters were being provoked by a few organisations. He said that the police forces were deployed across the city and claimed that the situation was under control now.
The ADG also said that with the help of Army personnel and public representatives, the administration was trying to educate the youth regarding the benefits of the Agnipath scheme recruitment scheme.
The ADG's remarks came amidst widespread misinformed and aggressive protests across states, with youth demanding a complete rollback of the army recruitment programme.
"Some protestors have expressed outrage and created chaos against the Agnipath scheme which has been implemented by the Government of India. The protestors should not resort to violence. There have been reports of protests across 17 places in the state, out of which arson took place in two places -- Ballia and Aligarh. We have received some intelligence input that some organisations are trying to provoke the protesting mob against this issue…, police will take further action on this," ADG (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar said.
He added, "In relation to this violence, police, Army personnel, public representatives and other government departments are trying to take the protesters into confidence and trying to educate them regarding the advantages of this new scheme. They are being told that in the coming time, under this scheme, they will be more secure. They will get preference in more jobs and those who work under this scheme will avail of multiple opportunities going to any other place. More job opportunities will be provided.”
Despite the government allaying the fears concerning the Agnipath scheme, protests were witnessed across states on Friday, with youth demanding a complete rollback of the Army recruitment programme.
Many Army aspirants are unhappy with the changes introduced under the new recruitment scheme, particularly the length of service, lack of pension provisions and the age restriction that makes many of them ineligible.
The protests continued for the third straight day on Friday, despite the Centre extending the upper age limit for recruitment of Agniveers from 21 years to 23 years.