Bharat Bandh Live: States heighten security as protests intensify, Section 144 imposed in Noida

States are taking steps to tighten security as protests intensify in several state capitals. States have also imposed Section 144, amid a call for Bharat Bandh over the Agnipath scheme.

The Gautam Buddh Nagar police on Sunday reiterated that CrPC section 144 is imposed in the district and asked people to not engage in any activity which disrupts law and order. In Uttar Pradesh, police arrested at least 250 people under what are called preventative arrests. Some demonstrators accused the police of using excessive force.

After more than 10 states witnessed protests against the government’s new ‘Agnipath’ military recruitment scheme last week, a nationwide shutdown call – for ‘Bharat Bandh’ – has been given by some groups on Monday.

This comes a day after the service chiefs ruled out rolling back of the plan and revealed the recruitment timelines.

The Centre has also been defending the scheme, explaining that recruits, or ‘Agniveers’, retiring after four years will be given financial aid. Also, in a nod to protesters’ concerns, the government has relaxed the upper age limit from 21 to 23.