FRIDAY www.thestatesman.com 17 JUNE 2022 FIND US ONLINE Scan this with your smartphone twitter.com/TheStatesmanLtd facebook.com/thestatesman1875 Pages 12 |` 5.00|LC KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR P6 WEATHER GENERALLY CLOUDY SKY. MODERATE RAIN/THUNDERSHOWERS. STRONG SURFACE WINDS (SPEED 30-40 KMPH) DURING THE DAY. THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURES WOULD BE AROUND 37 AND 26 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. RAINFALL: 2.4 mm RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max: 84% P9 Min: 36% Protests across nation over Agnipath scheme Authorities release ‘Myths vs Facts’ document to quell public misgivings P Min: 23.8°C (-4) SUN SETS 19:21 hrs MOON SETS 09:19 hrs THUMBNAILS Namami Gange team perform Yoga at Assi Ghat, in Varanasi on Thursday. ANI Equity indices settle sharply low: Domestic equity benchmark indices declined as the day progressed and settled sharply lower on Thursday as investors evidently feared a looming recession."The market is fearing that inflation is not going to come under control soon whereas a tight monetary policy may cause a recessionary situation," said Santosh Meena, Head of Research at Swastika Investmart. Pg8 PM to participate in Gujarat Gaurav Abhiyan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a twoday visit to Gujarat beginning 17 June and during his visit, the Prime Minister will participate in Gujarat Gaurav Abhiyan at Vadodara on 18 June, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of projects worth over Rs 21,000 crore. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the redeveloped temple of Shree Kalika Mata at Pavagadh Hill. It is one of the oldest temples in the area and attracts pilgrims Pg5 in large numbers. rotests erupted in several parts of the country today as job aspirants went on a rampage, indulging in violence, arson and vandalisation of public property against the newlyannounced Agnipath scheme for temporary recruitments in the armed forces. Hundreds of protesters shouted slogans against the scheme and resorted to violence in the Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh. Police had to resort to lathicharge to disperse the mob. Protesters went on a rampage vandalizing public properties at Birla Nagar railway station in Gwalior. They broke train windows, burnt tyres, and raised slogans against the new recruitment policy. The protesters also blocked the movement of several trains. The situation went out of hand in Bihar as the protesters turned violent. Incidents of arson and violence were reported from several districts of Bihar. Protestors ransacked the BJP's Nawada office and destroyed several properties. Then they set the BJP office on fire. In Bihar's Gopalganj district, the agitating aspirants set three coaches of a passenger train on fire at Sidhwalia railway station. In Chhapra, the protesters attacked as many as 12 trains and set three of them on fire. In Kaimur, they set the Inter-city Express train on fire. More than 15 districts Youth set a train ablaze during a protest against Agnipath scheme for Armed forces, in Chhapra on Thursday.  ANI across Bihar witnessed massive protests and vandalism against the Agnipath scheme. The protests were also reported from the capital where the Army aspirants stopped a train to show their unhappiness with the scheme. The Agnipath scheme was announced by defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday to instil youthfulness in the armed forces and provide employment opportunities to the unemployed youth. The Agnipath scheme contemplates temporary recruitment in the forces for four years. Thereafter the youth would be relieved and fresh recruits would replace them. Several states, including BJP-ruled Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, announced that they would give priority to the ‘Agniveers’ (as the temporary recruits would be called) in their police departments. The authorities, meanwhile, unofficially released a "Myths vs Facts" document to elaborate upon the scheme and quell the misgivings. Regarding the dissatisfaction with the four-year INDONESIA OPEN: PRANNOY ADVANCES TO QUARTERS P10 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 16 JUNE TEMPERATURE Max: 40.2°C (+1) SUN RISES 05:24 hrs MOON RISES 22:33 hrs EU LEADERS DECRY RUSSIAN BRUTALITY IN VISIT TO UKRAINE AUSTRALIA COMMITS TO REDUCING GREENHOUSE EMISSIONS BY 43 PC STRATEGIC OVERHANG duration of the tenure, the document says that it would not be the end of the road for the ‘Agniveers’. Those interested would get a financial package and bank loan to start a venture if they so desire. Besides they would be given a 12th class equivalent certificate and a bridging course for further studies. Moreover, they would also get priority in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and state police. Another feature of the scheme that is being frowned upon is that it would reduce opportunities for youth in the armed forces. The document says that it would rather increase the avenues for youth in the armed forces. Another concern that comes from none other than former Army officers is that such temporary recruitment will be detrimental to the regimental bonding. “No change is being done to the regimental system. It will be further accentuated because the best of Agniveers will be selected, further boosting the cohesiveness of the unit,” the document said.  In Bihar's Gopalganj district, the agitating aspirants set three coaches of a passenger train on fire at Sidhwalia railway station In Chhapra, the protesters attacked as many as 12 trains and set three of them on fire Protestors ransacked the BJP's Nawada office and destroyed several properties. Then they set the BJP office on fire Another concern being raised is that 'Agnipath' would dilute the strength of the armed forces. The government has clarified that nothing of this sort shall happen as the number of 'Agniveers' to be recruited in the first year would only make up 3 per cent of the armed forces."Additionally, the performance of the Agniveers will be tested before re-induction in the army after four years. Hence, the Army will get tested and tried personnel for supervisory ranks," the document clarified. To another objection to the scheme that such young recruits after a while could be easy recruits for terrorist groups or "anti-national" forces, the government has termed it as "an insult to the ethos and values of the Indian armed forces". The government has made "extensive consultations" before framing the scheme. "The proposal has been framed by the Department of Military Officers staffed by Military officers,” the document said, dispelling the notion that it was a hasty decision. P12 ‘Demolitions have to be in accordance with law’, SC on ‘bulldozer action’ in UP INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 16 JUNE Directing the Uttar Pradesh government to file a detailed affidavit within three days on the plea by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind against the recent demolitions in the state, the Supreme Court on Thursday observed that demolitions have to be in accordance with the due process of law. Issuing notice to the state, the apex court bench of Justices A.S. Bopanna and Vikram Nath orally remarked that the demolitions can't be a retaliatory measure. “Everything should look fair, we expect the authorities to act only in accordance with the law. Ensure safety so that nothing untoward happens,” noted the top court. The matter will be further heard next week. During the course of the hearing, Advocate Chander Uday Singh, who appeared for the petitioner, strongly argued that one community was targeted and the process of demolition was 'appalling'. The country has never seen such situations even during the Emergency period, he remarked. He argued that notices were not issued prior to the demolition referring to UP Urban planning and development Act Naveen Jindal gets fresh death threats NEW DELHI, 16 JUNE Former BJP leader Naveen Jindal has lodged a fresh complaint with the Delhi Police against unknown persons for threatening him over his controversial remarks on Prophet Muhammad through emails. Jindal allegedly received four emails containing threats from unknown senders. He immediately lodged a complaint with DCP East Delhi office. “They have threatened to kill me. They wrote that they might take time ~ one year or two years~ but will kill me for sure. They have threatened that if they fail to kill me, their grandchildren will kill me,” said Jindal in the complaint. ANI Section 27 and said notice was issued without the 15day duration as per the law. Senior Advocate Harish Salve, who appeared for the state of Uttar Pradesh, argued that the media was creating unnecessary hype on the issue. He also pointed out notices that had been issued long before the riots referring to instances of demolitions. He also argued that someone was riding the wave to protect their illegal properties, saying the demolitions were happening irrespective of communities. In the plea, moved against the backdrop of the ongoing row over comments on the Prophet and subsequent demolition drives, the Jamiat Ulama sought directions to initiate action against those officials who were responsible for the houses allegedly demolished in violation of the rule of law and the municipal laws enacted by the state. The plea stated that the present situation is more alarming as the Supreme Court had already ordered a stay of demolitions that were being carried out as a punitive measure in northwest Delhi in similar circumstances. "It is a violation of the orders of the Supreme Court", it read. Incidents of violence and slogan-shouting were reported from Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj and Saharanpur on Friday (June 10) after prayers when people began protesting against former BJP spokespersons' remarks on the Prophet. BEAUTY AT ITS BEST Cases cross 12k-mark for Pak trying to bleed India with 1st time in over 3 months thousand cuts: Rajnath Singh SNS & AGENCIES NEW DELHI, 16 JUNE Amidst an uptick in the number of infections reported across several states, the national daily Covid-19 figure crossed the 10,000mark for the first time in three months, with the Union health ministry reporting 12,213 fresh infections and 11 deaths in the last 24 hours on Thursday. On February 26 this year, India had recorded fresh 11,499 Covid19 cases. On Wednesday, India had reported 8,641 fresh cases of the virus for the preceding 24-hour period. With the fresh surge in cases, India's Covid-19 case count rose to 4,32,57,730 including 58,215 active cases. Active cases account for 0.13 per cent of the total cases. There has been a noticeable spike reported in the number of infections in many states particularly Maharashtra, where cases rose 36 per cent in a day to 4,024 STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE FACT FILE JAMMU, 16 JUNE TOTAL CASES 4,32,57,730 ACTIVE CASES 58,215 NEW CASES 12,213 NEW RECOVERIES 7,624 TOTAL DEATHS 5,24,803 UNION HEALTH MINISTRY FIGURES AS OF 8.00 A.M. THURSDAY 16 JUNE 2022 Delhi recorded 1,323 cases and 2 deaths while Kerala reported 1,950 cases. Karnataka reported 648 new cases, Tamil Nadu recorded 476 cases, Delhi reported 1,375 cases, Haryana reported 596 cases and Uttar Pradesh posted 318 fresh infections. The recovery rate in the country is currently at 98.65 per cent. Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday described the Indian security forces such a protective shield for the country that whoever tries to break it, bleeds himself. He said Pakistan continuously tries to disturb peace in India through its approach of “bleed India with a thousand cuts”. But, our security forces are such a protective shield for this country that whoever tries to break it, bleeds himself. Rajnath Singh, who arrived at Srinagar on two days visit of Jammu and Kashmir, flew to forward areas along the LoC and interacted with troops at Baramulla (in pic). His visit to Kashmir amidst targeted killings and ahead of the upcoming Amarnath pilgrimage is considered signif- icant. Referring to Pakistan, he said ,“Our neighbour has always resorted to anti-India activities. The state also witnessed terror activities in the past. Due to the relentless efforts of the personnel of Armed Forces, BSF, CRPF and J&K Police, there has been a significant decline in the number of terror activities in the state recently. Rajnath Singh visited the forward areas and took stock of the security situation along the border. Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande; General Officer Commandingin-Chief (GoC-in-C), Northern Command Lt General Upendra Dwivedi; GoC, 15 Corps Lt General AS Aujla and GoC, 19 Infantry Division Major General Ajay Chandpuria accompanied the minister and briefed him about the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces. Later, Rajnath Singh interacted with the personnel of the Armed Forces, BSF, CRPF and J&K Police. Addressing the personnel, he commended them for fulfilling their responsibilities efficiently even in challenging situations, describing their valour and zeal as remarkable.Reiterating that India is a peace-loving country which has given the message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the whole world is one family) to the world, Rajnath Singh asserted that “we have never tried to hurt any country in any way, nor have we tried to capture even an inch of anyone’s land. Eye on China, India, ASEAN to deepen partnership STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 16 JUNE Against the backdrop of China's increasing belligerence in the South China Sea, India and the ten ASEAN countries today reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen their broadbased partnership to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region. The two sides also committed themselves to multilateralism founded on the principles of the international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other relevant UN treaties and conventions, maintaining an open and inclusive regional cooperation frame- work, supporting ASEAN Centrality in the evolving rulesbased regional architecture and upholding multilateralism in jointly responding to regional and global challenges. In a joint statement adopted at the end of a special ASEANIndia Foreign Ministers’ meeting in celebration of the 30th anniversary of their relations, they agreed to further strengthen and deepen the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership for mutual benefit, across the whole spectrum of political, security, economic, socio-cultural and development cooperation by utilizing relevant existing ASEANled mechanisms. In his opening remarks at the meeting attended by the foreign ministers of the ASEAN nations, India & the ASEAN also decided to strengthen regional connectivity, including both physical and digital in line with the 'Connecting the Connectivities' approach. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said; “ASEAN’s role today is perhaps more important than ever before given the geopolitical challenges and uncertainties that the world faces. India fully supports a strong, unified and prosperous ASEAN, one whose centrality in the Indo-Pacific is fully recognised.” The two sides agreed to achieve the full potential of ASEAN-India trade and economic partnership including through enhanced utilization and effective implementation of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) by the early commencement of the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to ensure that it was more user friendly, simple and trade facilitative for businesses. India and the ASEAN also decided to strengthen regional connectivity, including both physical and digital in line with the "Connecting the Connectivities” approach. The meeting emphasised the need for the early completion and operationalisation of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and looked forward to its eastward extension to Lao, Cambodia and Vietnam. The meeting also welcomed ASEAN-India cooperation in preventing and countering terrorism, the rise of radicalisation and violent extremism, and combating transnational crimes through the early finalisation of the Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC)+ India Work Programme on Transnational Crime. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of healthcare, agricultural research, fintech, and Science, Technology and Innovation (STI). They will also work toward a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between ASEAN and India that was meaningful, substantive and mutually beneficial by further enhancing ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership. Forest department of Jammu and Kashmir in association with Indian Army have facilitated off-road trips to Peer Baba shrine, Tutmari Gali and Leepa Valley, as a part of promoting sustainable experiential tourism.  ANI ‘Rahul says no idea about YI-AJL deal’ INDO ASIAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 16 JUNE Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has told the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that all the decisions and transactions related to Young India's (YI) acquisition of Associated Journal Ltd (AJL) were taken by late party leader Motilal Vora. The Gandhi scion, who was grilled for three straight days in connection with the National Herald case, denied having knowledge of any sort of loan taken by YI, according to ED sources. Infact, he was not aware of the accommodation entry of YI, Gandhi is said to have told ED. Gandhi said that the late Vora was engaged in all these sorts of affairs. Vora held 12 per cent stakes in YI, while Rahul and Sonia had 76 per cent stakes. “Gandhi said he had no knowledge of YI-AJL deal as Vora was looking after it," the sources claimed. Rahul Gandhi was taking time to review his statements hence his questioning was taking more time. As per the sources, Gandhis are Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah detained Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar, CLP leader Siddaramaiah and other leaders and workers of the party were detained by police during their protest in Bengaluru over the ED investigating former party president Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. “The protest is our right. We will fight for justice. They (ED) are not taking cases of any BJP leaders. They are harassing only Congress people,”Karnataka Congress chief said. Congress workers held a protest march in Bengaluru on ANI Thursday. major beneficiaries in the whole deal. Earlier, Pawan Bansal and Mallikarjuna Kharge were questioned by the central agency. Since Vora has passed away, the needle of suspicion pointed towards the Gandhis. Cong takes ED battle to Prez, Parliament NEW DELHI, 16 JUNE A day after alleging highhandedness by the police the Congress has taken the battle to Parliament and has met the presiding officers of both the Houses. Party leaders will also meet the President over the issue. A delegation of Congress MPs met the Vice President to register their complaint. The delegation comprising of Mallikarjun Kharge, P. Chidambaram and Jairam Ramesh complained about the high-handedness of the police and the ill-treatment meted out to the Parliamentarians. The Congress Lok Sabha MPs also met Speaker Om Birla on Thursday morning and aired their grievances. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, while speaking to the media after the meeting said: “We have informed the Speaker about the manner in which we have been subjected to violence and atrocities. The Speaker listened to us. We told him about Delhi Police officers who barged into the Congress office and attacked our workers in a pre-planned manner." The Congress on filed a complaint against the Delhi police officials who manhandled the party men during Wednesday's protest. IANS