Reservation issue: Jat stir continues in Haryana after talks fail

Jat community protesters continued their agitation on Thursday, after talks between leaders of the community and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar failed to resolve reservation issue.

Roads and railway routes were blocked around Rohtak town, 75 km from Delhi, and at other places in Jhajjar, Sonipat, Hisar, Bhiwani and Jind districts.

Jat leaders said that the agitation will not be withdrawn till the Khattar government comes out with substantive action on their demand for reservation for Jat community in government jobs and educational institutions.

"The Khattar government did not show any sign of resolving the issue. They did not come up with any concrete proposal for the Jat community at the meeting held in Chandigarh yesterday (Wednesday)," Jat leader Satbir Punia, who attended the meeting, said.

The Haryana government on Wednesday announced doubling of the quota for the EBC (Economically Backward Classes) category from 10 to 20% after the meeting with Jat leaders. The Jats have rejected the move.

The chief minister also announced an increase in the annual income ceiling for availing quota from Rs.2.5 lakh to Rs.6 lakh so that maximum people could avail of benefits under this category.

Paramilitary forces have been deployed in and around Rohtak and other affected districts.

People neighbouring Punjab and adjoining Haryana are also facing problems due to cancellation or diversion of trains and blockade of roads.

Twenty-five trains were cancelled in Ambala and Ferozepur on Wednesday due to the blockade.

The NH-10 and NH-71 and some other highways were also blocked.