Jat stir: Haryana peaceful, CM Khattar says talks today
CHANDIGARH: The ‘Balidan Divas’, observed by Jats in Haryana on Sunday, passed off peacefully with Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar saying a fresh round of talks will be held on Monday with the agitating committee members.
The state was on high alert with the maximum deployment of forces to prevent any untoward incident in view of the ‘Balidan Divas’ (day of sacrifice) observed by the All-india Jat Aarakshan Sangarsh Samiti (AIJASS) in the memory of those who lost their lives in last year’s violent agitation in the state.
As a precautionary measure, the state roadways suspended its bus services for the day on some routes in sensitive districts, including Hisar, Rohtak, Kaithal and Sonipat, an official said. The Chief Minister said that as per reports received, peace and harmony prevailed in the state and the organisers of demonstrations had assured him of conducting themselves in a peaceful manner.
Khattar told reporters here that the talks would be held with the Jat leaders on Monday and their demands would be fulfilled within the scope of the law. The AIJASS agreed to participate in the second round of talks with the government in Panipat on Monday .
The Chief Minister hoped the issue will be resolved soon.
In spite of Khattar saying that their demands will be fulfilled “within the scope of the law”, the Jat body leading the agitation on Sunday threatened to step it up and passed resolutions asking the community members not to pay power and water bills till their demands are met.
Meanwhile, its president, Yashpal Malik, who addressed sit-ins in Joli-lath and Jassia in Sonipat and Rohtak districts, said eight resolutions were passed on Sunday by the protesters asking the community members “to stop paying their power and water bills till their demands are met”.
“From March 1, they will not cooperate with the government. No one will pay power, water bills and instalment of loans that they owe to the government,” he said.