As many as 35 WhatsApp groups that were allegedly spreading fake news about the Agnipath military recruitment scheme were on Sunday banned by the government, officials said.
The move came amid violent protests against the scheme in different parts of the country since it was announced a few days ago.
As many as 35 WhatsApp groups were banned by the government for allegedly spreading fake news about the Agnipath scheme, the government officials said.
However, information about these groups or if any action has been initiated against their administrators was not immediately known.
Ruling out the rollback of the 'Agnipath' recruitment scheme despite widespread protests, the three services of the military on Sunday came out with a broad schedule of enrolment under the new policy and asserted that it was aimed at bringing down the age profile of the armed forces.
Section 144 in Gautam Buddh Nagar
Amid a call for 'Bharat Bandh' on Monday over the Agnipath scheme, the Gautam Buddh Nagar police said that CrPC section 144 is imposed in the district and asked people to not engage in any activity which disrupts law and order.
So far, 225 people have been booked and 15 arrested in connection with the violent protest at the Jewar toll plaza on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida on Friday.
CrPC Section 144 prohibits assembly of four or more people
Additional Deputy Commissioner (Law and Order) Ashutosh Dwivedi on Sunday said several anti-social elements have mixed with aspirants of armed forces during the protests against the Agnipath scheme to disrupt law and order and vitiate atmosphere across Uttar Pradesh.
Call for Bharat Bandh on June 20
It has been learnt through social media that a call for 'Bharat Bandh' has been made by a section of people for June 20 in view of the Agnipath scheme and some anti-social elements in groups may to disrupt peace and even try marching towards Delhi, Dwivedi said.
It is to remind everyone that CrPC section 144 is already imposed in Gautam Buddh Nagar commissionerate. FIR would be registered against any person found engaged in activities in violation of law and strict action would be taken against them, he said.
The additional DCP urged citizens to help police identify the anti-social elements engaged in the protests and also appealed to them to caution youngsters against demonstrations.
Meanwhile, members of the ex-servicemen welfare committee, Jewar on Sunday met police officials and submitted a memorandum, demanding action against protesters of the Agnipath scheme.
The ex-servicemen said they have held multiple meetings across the district to spread information about the new military recruitment scheme.
Jaipur under section 144, too
Prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPC have been imposed in the Jaipur police commissionerate area on Sunday in the wake of the protests against the Centre's Agnipath scheme for soldiers' recruitment for four years.
Ajaypal Lamba, Additional Commissioner of Jaipur Police, issued the orders to impose section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) from 6 pm on Sunday to midnight of August 18.
He said there is a possibility of disturbance to law and order due to the protests.
All kinds of rallies, dharnas, demonstrations, and public meetings without prior permission will be banned, Lamba said.
It has also been directed that no one should circulate provocative messages on social media which may lead to law and order issues.
Action will be taken against those found violating the orders, he said.
