Violence erupted in parts of Haryana – in Rohtak, Jhajjar, Bhiwani, Sonipat and Hisar, disrupting rail and road traffics. Army personnel flag marched in Bhiwani after agitators turned violent. A curfew too was imposed when members of Jat Community took to streets to demand OBC Status in the state. The protestors are also demanding reservation in Central Government jobs.
On Sunday, Haryana witnessed fresh incidents of arson and violence. Protesters torched two railway stations in Gurgaon and a bank branch in Bhiwani.
A number of buses were set on fire in Tosham. Rohtak, Bhiwani, Jhajjar and Sonipat while these areas remained under curfew.
The protestors also have disrupted the water supply to Delhi. The Munak canal in Sonipat, which supplies water to Delhi was taken over by Jat protestors, following which the AAP government in Delhi had to announce closure of schools on Monday for water rationing.
The group clashed with the authorities which resulted into death of one person at site. Additional Chief Secretary (Home) P K Das was quoted in local papers saying: “Efforts were made to disperse the protesters at Akbarpur-Barota so as to release water for Delhi. But it was in vain. As they were in huge numbers, not much force was used. The attempt to release water was temporarily postponed. According to reports, one person was killed in firing. We appeal to the protesters to let the administration release water for Delhi. It is not fair on their part to resort to such tactics.”
So far 10 people have died in the stir and 150 people have been injured.
WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT SAYING?
The BJP government in the state has said it will bring a Bill granting OBC status to Jats in the coming assembly session.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh met the Jat delegation comprising representatives of the community from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi on Sunday.
Rajnath Singh told reporters: “We have formed a committee which will be headed by our senior Cabinet minister Venkaiah Naidu. The committee has been asked to file a comprehensive report to find a solution to the issue as soon as possible. I appeal to the people of Haryana to help maintain calm and peace.”
After the meeting, Jaipal Singh Sangwan, leader of the Akhil Bharatiya Jat Sangharsh Samiti (ABJSS) which is affiliated to the Yashpal Malik-led All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS), issued an appeal, saying the government had agreed to accept their demands and peace should be maintained.
