Patna, June 18: A large number of Army job aspirants staged protests on streets on Saturday to enforce Bihar bandh venting their anger against new scheme Agnipath announced by the Centre to recruit jawans in all three wings of the Armed forces.
Main opposition in Bihar RJD, Left parties workers besides those associated with Chhatra Yuva Sangathan and various fronts floated by Army job aspirants came out on streets in Patna and other parts of Bihar to enforce bandh as per call given to protest against Agneepath, the new recruitment scheme announced by the Centre for jawans in all three wings of the Armed forces. They were found indulged in arson and disruptive activities at some places, in their bid to enforce bandh.
Police said that bandh supporters torched a truck and bus near Tehta police outpost in Jehanabad district.
Protesters were chased away by security forces at Taregna station who were engaged in arson, police said adding that mild force was used to control unruly protesters.
Protesters also torched several vehicles parked in Taregna Railway station premises. Local trains were suspended in view of Bihar bandh call.
Leaders and workers of RJD, CPI(ML), and JAP leader Rajesh Ranjan and his party workers taking out protest march were seen on streets to enforce bandh.
CPI( ML) workers and party MLA Sandeep Saurabh took out protest march from Ashok Rajpath but they were stopped near Kargil Chowck. MLA Saurabh was taken into custody while party workers were chased away.
Internet services have been suspended in 15 districts till June 19. Adequate security arrangements have been made to protect public and private properties besides Railway stations, trains and tracks.
Meanwhile DGP S K Singhal himself visited Patna railway station to take personal account of the situation and review security arrangements.
He, however, refused to talk to media persons regarding troubles created due to protests of Army job aspirants.
Railways have cancelled 315 trains as precautionary measures. These trains either originate from stations in Bihar or culminate at stations in the state.
