Jat stir enters third day, remains peaceful

The ongoing Jat quota agitation in Haryana today entered its third day and no untoward incident was reported from anywhere, officials said here.
Amid elaborate security arrangements, the Jats held dharnas at several locations which remained peaceful, they said.
The call for the fresh stir has been given by some Jat outfits, especially those owing allegiance to All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti.
The members of the community have been staging peaceful dharnas at Ramayan village near Hisar-Bhiwani railway track, Jolilath village on Sonipat-Gohana road, Jassia village on Rohtak highway, Rasalwala Chowk in Jhajjar, Umrakheri village near Panipat-Shamli road and at some other places.

Internet services had been suspended in the vicinity of dharna sites to check spread of rumours. Authorities have also imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC in some areas of the sensitive districts, banning gathering of five or more people.
Paramilitary forces are out in sensitive areas while heavy police force has been deployed to maintain strict vigil.

During a similar stir a year ago, there were 30 deaths and widespread destruction of property. This time, Haryana has been put on maximum alert, officials said.
Rapid Action Force has been deployed at Munak canal in Sonipat district to ensure uninterrupted water supply to the national capital. The agitators had damaged the canal during last year's stir.

Notably, Rohtak and some of its neighbouring districts, including Sonipat and Jhajjar had been worst-hit by the violence which broke out during last year's Jat stir.
Apart from the quota demand, the agitators are demanding release of arrested Jat youths from jails, withdrawal of cases registered during last year's agitation and grant of government jobs to the kin of youths killed and those injured during the earlier stir.