Haryana gears up as Jats threaten to renew stir; restrictions in Sonipat

With Jat leaders threatening to renew their agitation for reservation in Haryana from June 5, the state government and the police have started mobilising security forces at various places.

Haryana Police sources said that police personnel and para-military forces were being stationed in sensitive districts like Sonipat, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Jind and Fatehabad to ensure law and order.

Sonipat District Magistrate K. Makrand Pandurang on Sunday ordered imposition of prohibitory orders, under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, in the district "to ward off any tension, fights, threats to human life, damage to property and deterioration in the law-and-order situation".

The order has been issued following apprehension of violence during the renewed Jat agitation.

Pandurang said that "there were chances that some agitators, hooligans and anti-social elements may cause damage to roads, railway tracks, water sources and power houses in view of the stay ordered by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on the Haryana government's decision to grant reservation to Jats and five other communities in jobs and educational institutions under the newly created Backward Class 'C' category".

Under section 144, there would be a complete ban on the gathering of five or more than five people at any place and carrying sticks, axe, sword, knife or any other sharp-edged weapons. The order would remain effective for 60 days from May 28 to July 27.

Following the high court's stay on the government notification granting reservation and Jats threatening protests, the Haryana Police on Friday said that it was fully prepared to deal with the agitation.

Additional Director General Police (ADGP), Law and Order, Mohammed Akil said: "Police would try to make the protesters understand not to resort to violence. But if they do not understand, police would use force against such protesters, without any consideration of caste or community."

As many as 30 people were killed and 320 injured and property worth hundreds of crores of rupees was destroyed during the violent agitation in February this year.

Property and assets worth thousands of crores were damaged and destroyed as the agitation took a violent turn and paralysed the state for nearly 10 days.

--IANS

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