Security beefed up ahead of Balidan Divas today
Top administrative officers meet Jat protesters and other members of community, urge them to maintain law and order
District administrations in the region have made elaborate security arrangements in view of the Balidan Divas being observed by the All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti on Sunday.
Senior administrative officers in Karnal, Kurukshetra, Kaithal and Panipat are also in contact with Jat protesters and other members of the community to seek their support in observing the day peacefully.
“Police is on alert, and there is no threat to law and order and we have made elaborate arrangements,” said Kurukshetra deputy commissioner (DC) Sumedha Kataria. “We are also in constant touch with members of the community through meetings in Jat-dominated villages, seeking their support to maintain law and order,” she said.
Karnal DC Mandeep Brar also held a meeting with officials of the district administration and appointed duty magistrates to monitor the situation.
Besides cops keeping vigil at Ballah village, where Jats are holding a protest, Central Reserve Police Force and Rapid Action Force personnel have been deputed to maintain security on the national highway in Karnal.
Sarpanches of about 50 villages in Karnal district also met Brar and assured him of their cooperation in maintaining law and order.
Karnal superintendent of police (SP) Jashandeep Randhawa also held a meeting with cops in the district, amd directed them to always remain alert for immediate response.
In Kaithal, where about 10,000 people are expected to participate in the Balidan Divas function, the district administration has deputed one company of the CRPF and RAF besides about 1,000 cops.
“Maintaining law and order is our top priority and security arrangements have been made to deal with any untoward incident,” said Kaithal DC Sanjay Joon.
In Panipat, sources said the district administration will focus on the security of the national highway-1. A SHOW OF STRENGTH FOR AIJASS Sources said the AIJASS is focusing on positioning Balidan Divas functions as a show of strength. Efforts are being made to ensure huge gatherings across the state to pressurise the government. “As of now there is no plan to expand the Jat agitation to more spots. Our focus in on ensuring huge gatherings at the Balidan Divas programme,” said AIJASS leader Balwan Kotra.