Chandigarh: “Getting reservation for Jats will not stop the agitation,” says Yashpal Malik, President of All India Jat Reservation Agitation Committee speaking to News18. Malik’s statement further complicates the difficult dialogue process with the state over the large scale Jat protest happening across the state of Haryana.
Will there be a repeat of last year? When News18 posed this question to Yashpal Malik measured his words while answering that no agitation is planned and Jats are gathering only for peaceful sit ins as a form of protest. Malik once again highlighted the seven Jat demands and said none of them is more or less important and all of these demands have to be met before the indefinite agitation is called off.
The state is on the edge as memories of February 2016 haunt it. Within a span of a few days 30 people had lost their lives in the violence that followed the demand for Jat reservation in the OBC category. Industry bodies estimated Rs 34000 crore loss to the exchequer.
The renewed agitation launched on January 29 has now entered its 21 st day. On February 19, Jats are planning a statewide “Balidan Diwas” to remember those killed last year. The state government has deployed a heavy police and paramilitary presence to prevent a repeat of last year.
The Haryana Government has formed a five member committee headed by the Chief Secretary DS Dhesi to talk with the Jat agitators. The next meeting is likely to take place after the February 19 “Balidan Diwas” passes peacefully.
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