World · India Bureau
Upper caste groups stage major protest in Agra over UGC policies
Youth from upper caste communities in Agra mounted a large-scale demonstration against UGC decisions, deploying over 200 tractors in an attempt to blockade key infrastructure. Police and paramilitary forces deployed heavy equipment and lathi charges to disperse the protesters at multiple locations.
LSN India ·
Agra witnessed significant street protests on Wednesday as upper caste community members mobilized over 200 tractors to voice opposition against University Grants Commission (UGC) policies. The demonstrators attempted to blockade the Yamuna Expressway and surround the district collectorate office as part of their wider agitation.
The protesters brought vehicular traffic to a standstill at several points along their route as the convoy advanced from surrounding agricultural areas. Local authorities reported that demonstrators halted vehicles and expanded their presence on roads leading toward the administrative center.
Police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel deployed significant resources to control the situation. Authorities used heavy machinery including bulldozers, JCB excavators, and crane equipment to erect barriers at multiple locations. Law enforcement officials also resorted to lathi charges to disperse crowds and prevent the demonstrators from reaching their intended targets.
The scale of the protest underscores growing tensions over UGC's regulatory decisions and their perceived impact on certain communities. Details regarding the specific UGC measures prompting the demonstration remain unclear as the situation developed.