Strong protest by youngsters against Agneepath scheme of central government in Hamirpur

Hundreds of unemployed youngsters drawn from various parts of the district gathered at the Gandhi chowk here today morning and raised anti central government slogans for launching the Agneepath scheme against their wishes.

Denouncing the scheme, they demanded its immediate withdrawal and regular recruitment for them in the Indian army.

They also took out a procession from Gandhi chowk to the main bus-stand and also raised slogans there. They wanted to block the road traffic there but were prevented by a strong contingent of the Police.

However, they held demonstrations there before returning to the Gandhi chowk.

They also burnt flags of the BJP at the Gandhi chowk showing their resentment against the Agnipath scheme.

The protesters also took out another procession through the main bazaar raising anti government slogans.

They were also accompanied by the leaders and workers of the Congress party and the (CITU), the labour wing of the Communist party of India (Marxist).

The police arrested Comrade Kashmir Singh Thakur, the state level leader of the (CITU), while he was addressing protesters at the Gandhi chowk today. 

Meanwhile, the district administration here has alerted its forces and ASP, Hamirpur has been given the full command to maintain the law and order situation in the town and adjacent areas.

Rajendra Zar, the district Congress party President blasted the central government for its Agneepath scheme and said that it was anti people in general and anti youth in particular and must be condemned and withdrawn.

He warned the central government of nationwide agitation if this scheme was not withdrawn.