Over 30 headed for Jantar Mantar protest detained

NOIDA/GHAZIABAD: Over 30 people, among them functionaries of Congress and Samajwadi Party, were detained in Noida and Ghaziabad on Monday as they planned to attend an Agnipath protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
Sources in the police said while 30 people were detained in Noida, around five were put under house arrest in Ghaziabad.
On a day Agnipath protesters observed a Bharat bandh, police teams were deployed at all the border points with Delhi. The cops in Delhi, too, resorted to strict checking of vehicles.
The police in Noida said they were more vigilant following the violence at the Jewar toll plaza on June 17. “Moreover, prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC have been imposed in Noida. All forms of demonstrations and group marches are banned now. Delhi Police have also imposed similar restrictions. It is a coordinate mechanism,” police commissioner Alok Singh said.
The police warned that FIR would be lodged against those who indulged in violence. “We have urged people to help us in identifying anti-social elements who are inciting the protesters. We also requested them to caution the youngsters against indulging in violence,” joint commissioner of police Luv Kumar said.
In Ghaziabad, Congress’s Acharya Pramod Krishnam was put under house arrest after cops received information that he would leave for Delhi to participate in the Jantar Mantar protest.
Krishnam said he was planning to take part in a ‘satyagraha’ at Jantar Mantar. “The government announced the Agnipath scheme without thinking about the future of the youngsters. What will happen to them after four years? I request the Prime Minister to roll back the scheme like he did with the three agricultural laws,” he added.
Ghaziabad police chief Muniraj G confirmed that five persons were put under house arrest. “A heavy police force was deployed at bus stands and railway stations in view of the violence that erupted in other states,” he added.
In Noida, meanwhile, some Army veterans and senior police officers held a news conference on the Agnipath scheme.
“The country needs young blood. Through the Agnipath scheme, the Indian Army will be able to ensure that a majority of its force is aged between 17 and 23. Moreover, those who retire after four years will have more avenues for them. They will be given priority during recruitments in public sector undertakings, banks and other establishments,” said Col SK Vohra (retd), a resident of Arun Vihar
Additional deputy commissioner of police (Noida) Ranvijay Singh, who attended the event, said those who damaged public property and attacked cops will be arrested.