Jat unrest: Hooda to sit on hunger strike at Jantar Mantar

Reiterating his call to maintain law and order in the violence-hit state, former Haryana chief minister B.S. Hooda said that he will go on a hunger strike tomorrow at the Jantar Mantar in the national capital.

"The agitation has taken such a turn not that it's not going to benefit anyone. Some people have been killed and I offer my condolences, but the way the situation has escalated there has been severe loss to property as well," Hooda told the media here.

He also appealed to all the agitators to fight against the 'divisive forces' trying to create a gulf in the society.

"In a move to ensure calm and harmony returns in Haryana, I will be sitting on a hunger strike at 10 am tomorrow at Jantar Mantar," Hooda said.

Hooda had earlier blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in the state for protests by the Jat community demanding reservation in government jobs.

He said that the unrest in the state was due to the inciting statements made by the BJP leaders.

"During our government everyone was satisfied with the reservation. We never tinkered with the existing reservations, but at the same time we did not leave out any," Hooda said.

Earlier today, the BJP issued showcause notice to party MP Raj Kumar Saini for making comments 'opposing' Jat reservation.

Saini had earlier expressed objection over giving reservation to Jats and even threatened to resign if there was 'any loss' to reservation quota for Other Backward Classes (OBC).

"In relation with the Jat unrest, we have spoken to the Centre and briefed them about the current situation there. Regarding the recent statements made by few party leaders over the current issue, the party has distanced itself from any leaders who have made comments against Jats. Even after continuous warnings, Raj Kumar Saini kept making controversial statements and the party has issued show cause notice to him over that," BJP leader Anil Jain told the media here.

Meanwhile, the army conducted a flag march in Rohtak, where three people were allegedly killed and 78 others injured in firing and clash between security personnel and Jats demanding reservation in jobs and education.

However, the army could not enter Rohtak initially as protesters had put up blockades at several places, forcing the authorities to air drop the personnel using helicopters.