BJP top brass meets NSA, army chief to control chaos
NEW DELHI: The Centre is bracing for the worst in Haryana amid reports of ‘extreme brutality’ committed against non-Jats in the state, senior government officials said here.
“There are reports that some extreme violence has taken place in Rohtak. It was a free-for-all kind of situation in Haryana – particularly in Rohtak and Jhajjar. There is an urgent need to bring the situation under control,” said an official, refusing to specify about the incidents of extreme violence.
In an effort to manage the crisis, senior Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Sushma Swaraj and Manohar Parrikar sat with national security adviser Ajit Doval, home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, army chief Dalbir Singh and Intelligence Bureau chief Dineshwar Sharma and reviewed the situation.
A senior IPS officer of Haryana cadre posted in Delhi said reports of full-scale violence and arson that has taken place in Rohtak and adjoining areas are yet to emerge from curfew-clamped districts.
The BJP is already facing problems in Gujarat with Patidars led by Hardik Patel asking for castebased reservation.
Besides, any acceptance or non-acceptance of the demand will affect the Jat population in neighbouring states, particularly in western UP, sources said.
The Centre on Saturday airlifted more security personnel to Rohtak in particular.
Cabinet secretary PK Sinha also reviewed the situation with the chief secretary and police chief of state through video conferencing and asked them to maintain law and order.
“The home minister is in regular touch with Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar,” an aide to the minister said.
Rajnath Singh also met senior Jat leaders from western UP and Haryana late in the evening to listen to their demands.
There are reports that some extreme violence has taken place in Rohtak. It was a free-for-all kind of situation – particularly in Rohtak and Jhajjar. There is an urgent need to bring the situation under control.
A SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL