More than 500 train services were canceled in India on Monday due to calls to protest from young men angry at a military draft plan they say will deny them job opportunities in the armed forces.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government last week unveiled the plan to get more people into the military on short four-year contracts to cut the average lifespan of the 1.38 million military.
Analysts say the plan will also help cut rising pension costs.
But the protesters say it will deprive them of a permanent job in the army, with a guaranteed pension, other benefits and social standing.
Leaders of the opposition Congress party met Indian President Ram Nath Kovind to seek to withdraw the plan.
"Given the situation on our borders, we must have soldiers in our armed forces who are young, well-trained, enthusiastic, happy, satisfied and assured of their future," they said in a note to the president.
India shares a border with Pakistan and China, which is often tense.
But senior defense officials said on Sunday the plan was to modernize the forces and would not be withdrawn, despite protests by thousands of youths who have attacked and set fire to trains and clashed with police since last week.
One person was killed and the police arrested more than 300 protesters.
The Ministry of Railways said in a statement that more than 500 train trips were canceled today due to calls for protests.
In an effort to end the protests, the government has amended parts of the plan to give more military personnel opportunities to apply for jobs in the federal and state governments after their service ends.
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- Agencies