Agnipath recruitment: Centre defends scheme as protests break out in states

Trains set on fire in Bihar; Opposition parties want the scheme withdrawn

As parts of India on Thursday reported violent protests against the proposed Agnipath recruitment system for the armed forces, political parties and former soldiers pleaded with the government to revise the scheme. Among them were ruling party MP from Pilibhit, Varun Gandhi, and supporter of government and its alliance partner, former Punjab chief minister Amrinder Singh.

As violent protests raged in multiple states, the government issued a clarification, asserting that the new model will not only bring in fresh capabilities to the armed forces but also open up avenues for youth in the private sector and help them become entrepreneurs with