Agnipath scheme: Youths say warning not a cause for concern, barring arsonists not new

Palwal, June 20

The announcement by the government that the protesters booked for violence-related activities against Agnipath scheme will be debarred from government service has perhaps failed to impact the spirit of the youths, who claim that protesting in non-violent manner was still their right.

“I am not surprised at this announcement. I do not favour violence to register protest against any move as it is not in general interest,” said Manjit Singh of Gughera village of the district, adding that protesting peacefully was the right of the citizens.

Not surprised with announcement

I am not surprised at this announcement. I do not favour violence to register protest against any scheme. —Manjit Singh, Palwal

law-abiding youths need not worry

The announcement has nothing to do with those who don’t believe in taking the law into their hands. — Nitin Kumar, Palwal

Nipun Gaur (22), a resident of Wazirpur village of Ballabgarh sub division, is preparing for armed forces. He said the announcement did not come as a shock as registration of a criminal case debars any candidate from appointment in government jobs.

“I oppose the scheme as it will render the youngsters jobless after four years,” he added.

Claiming that the recent violence might be an outcome of the frustration of many who feel they have been left out from the prospect of getting recruited in the Army, Nitin Kumar (24) of Palwal said holding protest in a peaceful manner was still an option.

“The announcement has nothing to do with those who don’t believe in taking the law into their hands. The rule of debarring the candidates having a criminal background for appointment in government sector was very old. The announcement does not mean that one cannot condemn any policy or action of the government in a democratic manner,” he added.

Krishan Atri, a resident of Pelak village, who is the youth leader of a political party, also described the announcement as a routine and said it could not deny anyone to register the protest peacefully.

Two more youths of Plawal, Nikhil Bhardwaj and Ajay Pondri said though the announcement of debarring aspirants involved in the protests was aimed to curb violence , majority of the protesters did not support violence.