Jammu, Jun 16 (IANS): Youth, aspiring for a career in the Indian Army, on Thursday staged a protest in Jammu against the Agnipath scheme to recruit jawans on a contractual basis for four years, followed by compulsory retirement for most without gratuity and pension benefits.

Most of the youth who came out in protest against the scheme claimed that they have cleared their medical and physical tests for recruitment in the Army last year and were waiting for the written examination, which has now been cancelled.

The protesting youth said that they have come to know that the process for their recruitment has been cancelled and that they have to now apply in accordance with the Agnipath scheme.

The protesters said it was a gross injustice that while the pension bills of MPs and MLAs are increasing, the government is not willing to provide pension to aspiring soldiers.

The protesters demanded that the Agnipath scheme should be withdrawn and the written exam for their recruitment should be held as scheduled earlier.