Army called out as Haryana Jat stir threatens to reach Delhi

Army deployed in 8 Haryana districts; senior ministers meet to discuss issue

The Army was on Friday called in for deployment in eight districts of Haryana after three died and at least 21 were injured, as a Jat agitation for quota turned violent.

Rampaging mobs set ablaze the house of state's Finance Minister Captain Abhimanyu, besides several government and private properties. A school belonging to Abhimanyu, and a shopping mall were also set on fire.

Jat leaders also threatened to block roads to Delhi if their demand for inclusion in the Other Backward Classes or OBC list was not met.

Top Union ministers Rajnath Singh, Manohar Parrikar, Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj reviewed the law and order situation in Haryana. The Union Ministers, along with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi, Director of Intelligence Bureau Dineswar Sharma and others took stock of the situation.

The Centre rushed 3,300 paramilitary personnel to Haryana and assured Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar of help.

Khattar held an all-party meeting and asked the protesters to call off the agitation. Khattar gave an assurance that a solution would be worked out to extend reservation to the community.

Internet and mobile SMS services have been suspended indefinitely by authorities in Rohtak district in the wake of protests.

Protesters took some police personnel captive and went on the rampage at many places, including Rohtak, Jhajjar and Hansi. The DGP said police personnel were taken captive by the large number of protesters at some places including Rohtak and the cops were unable to perform their duties.

Rail and road traffic on the Delhi-Ambala National Highway and the mainline railway route were blocked by protesters at various places. A number of local, short distance and long distance trains were cancelled. Almost all the main roads and NH-65 and NH-71 at six places passing through Jind district were blocked besides five state highways at 12 places.

The BJP said the Jat agitation for reservation has become leaderless and was being fuelled by "anarchists" and warned that those indulging in violence will be dealt with sternly. BJP General Secretary and Haryana in-charge Anil Jain said the agitation has turned violent and "military" could also be sent if needed.