Haryana On Guard As Jats Begin Fresh Agitation Today

Anticipating a repeat of February's violent protests by Jats in Haryana, the police and administration have prepped strong.

CHANDIGARH:  The Jat community in Haryana will begin a second round of agitation starting today to press on their demand of an increased quota in government jobs and educational institutes. Anticipating a repeat of February's violent protests which claimed at least 30 lives and injured hundreds, the police and administration have prepped strong.

55 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed in the state to check violence during the 15-day protests. Section 144 against unlawful gatherings has also been imposed in Jhajjar, Sonipat, Rohtak, Panipat, Hisar, Fatehabad, Jind and Kaithal which also covers national highways. A dedicated helpline has been provided which will be monitored by a control room in Chandigarh round-the-clock. Bulk SMS and mobile internet have been suspended in Sonipat and Rohtak districts till further notice.

A section of the community spearheaded by All India Jat Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti will hold fresh protests in 15 places in the state. They say they are unhappy with the state government's quota bill which they anticipate could also be rejected by the Supreme Court on grounds of keeping total reservations under 50 per cent.

In the first phase, the protesters have promised to not block highways or railway lines and stay clear of the cities, but have warned of intensifying the agitation if their demands are not met, which also include withdrawal of criminal cases against Jats during the violent protests in February.

Dharnas are planned in 15 villages in as many districts in Haryana - Mayyad of Hisar, Dhanana of Bhiwani, Atela in Dadri, Jasiya in Rohtak, Dhani Gopal in Fatehabad, Nathusari Chaupta in Sirsa, Jhanj Khurd in Jind, Ballaganv in karnal, Titarmod in Kaithal, Jainpur in Kurukshetra, Matloda in Panipat, Pranpura-bawal in Rewari, Anaaj Mandi in Sonipat and Hussainimod in Ambala.

However, the umbrella body of Jat khaps (clans), the Sarva Jatiya Sarv Khap Mahapanchayat has said that it will not support the protests this time. The group of prominent Jat leader Hawa Singh Sangwan has also decided against participating.