Normalcy returns to Haryana: vigil continues

CHANDIGARH, February 1.

EXTENSIVE patrolling and “flag-marches” by the Army have been organised all over Haryana even as the situation in the State improved greatly today after two days of rioting sparked off by the Union Government’s decisions to give Chandigarh to Punjab.

Announcing this here this evening Chief Minister Mr. Bansi Lal told a Press conference that the army patrolling had been organised in both rural and urban areas as a precautionary measure in view of the mass “satyagraha” being launched by some political party from tomorrow to protest against the Union Government’s decision.

The situation all over the State was “completely under control,” Mr. Bansi Lal added.

A bus was burnt at Balot village, near Rohtak, this morning. This was the only incident of violence reported today.

Traffic on the Grand Trunk Road was “normal” and Haryana Roadways had resumed its services on several routes. Train services on some routes had also been resumed, the Chief Minister added.

More than 800 persons, including about 175 students of

Kurukshetra University, have been arrested since the outbreak of violence on Saturday.

All educational institutions in Kurukshetra and Thanesar have been closed for an indefinite period.

Mr. Babsi Lal, who was due to broadcast a message to the people of the State from the Jullundur station of All India Radio at 2030 hours today postponed the same in view of his preoccupation with his party meeting.