Chandigarh: The politically and financially powerful Jat community in Haryana on May 4 began its second round of stir to press for increased quote in government jobs and educational institutes.
The police and administration have stepped up security steps anticipating a repeat of February’s violent protests that claimed at least 30 lives and injured hundreds.
At lease 55 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed in the northern Indian 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, reports ndtv.com.
A section of the community spearheaded by All India Jat Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti (committee for the Jat reservation agitation) 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 percent.
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.
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.