The first casualty of protests against the Agnipath defence recruitment scheme was reported on Friday. Trains were torched, public property vandalised and many thousands blocked tracks and highways over the past week protests raged through the country. 

Also read: Explained: Why is Agnipath soldier recruitment scheme so controversial

At least 200 trains were affected, 35 cancelled and 13 short-terminated, railway officials said, as per PTI. 

The person killed in the police firing in Secunderabad was a part of an angry mob that set fire to several trains and damaged public property. Over 15 were injured in Telangana. 

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The agitators, at least 5000, as per NDTV, entered a railway station in Secunderabad and tried to set fire to a coach of a passenger train. There were nearly 40 people inside, including children. However, a railway staff managed to save them by having them move to an adjoining coach.

“There were around 40 people in here (inside the coach), but of those who committed the crime, I could not count. There were over 5,000 of them,” Suman Kumar Sharma, who is an AC power car mechanic, told NDTV on Friday. 

He further added that the protestors tried to set fire to the coach., ‘but timely action from the staff saved it’. 

“Two gates were open, so we let the passengers go from one side. We told them, the RPF (Railway Police) will keep you safe,” Sharma added. 

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The protests have spread in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. 

Why are people protesting?

The government introduced the Agnipath recruitment scheme on Tuesday. With an aim to create a contractual provision within the Indian Armed Forces, it was called ‘transformative’. 

As per the Agnipath scheme, people between ages 17.5 to 21 will be hired as ‘Agniveers’ and placed within relevant ranks. They will receive months-long training and be paid between Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 per month.

Also read: Agnipath soldier recruitment scheme sets parts of India aflame

After serving the four years, 25% will make it to permanent positions and will serve a minimum of 15 years. The remaining will be released with a lumpsum pay of Rs 11.5 lakh. They will not receive any retirement or medical benefits.

Opposition party leaders, Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav, have slammed the new recruitment scheme.