Jat stir: Haryana peaceful, CM says talks tomorrow

The 'Balidan Divas', observed by Jats in Haryana today, passed off peacefully with Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar saying a fresh round of talks will be held tomorrow with the agitating committee members.
The state was on high alert with the maximum deployment of forces to prevent any untoward incident in view of the 'Balidan Divas' (day of sacrifice) observed by the All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangarsh Samiti (AIJASS) in the memory of those who lost their lives in last year's violent agitation in the state.
As a precautionary measure, the state roadways suspended its bus services for the day on some routes in sensitive districts, including Hisar, Rohtak, Kaithal and Sonipat, an official said.

The Chief Minister said that as per reports received, peace and harmony prevailed in the state and the organisers of demonstrations had assured him of conducting themselves in a peaceful manner.
Khattar told reporters here that the talks would be held with the Jat leaders tomorrow and their demands would be fulfilled within the scope of the law.
The AIJASS agreed to participate in the second round of talks with the government in Panipat tomorrow.

The Chief Minister hoped the issue will be resolved soon.
In spite of Khattar saying that their demands will be fulfilled "within the scope of the law", the Jat body leading the agitation today threatened to step it up and passed resolutions asking the community members not to pay power and water bills till their demands are met.

Meanwhile, its president, Yashpal Malik, who addressed sit-ins in Joli-Lath and Jassia in Sonipat and Rohtak districts, said eight resolutions were passed today by the protesters asking the community members "to stop paying their power and water bills till their demands are met".
"From March 1, they will not cooperate with the government. No one will pay power, water bills and instalment of loans that they owe to the government," he said.
He threatened that the stir will be intensified in Bhiwani, Jind, Kaithal, Panipat, Hisar, Karnal, Dadri, Kurukshetra, Mewat and Panchkula from March 1.
The AIJASS leader also said Jats from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh will protest in the national capital on March 2 and submit a memorandum on the issue to the President.

They also plan to gherao Parliament, the date for which will be announced on March 2.
Malik said February 26 will be observed as "Black Day" by Jats and to protest against the state government's policies, the community members will wear black turbans, ties, ribbons and arm bands.
The AIJASS president has appealed to the people to stop the supply of milk to Delhi and a date in this regard will be announced later.
"I appeal to my brothers and sisters not to sell milk on that day. Prepare ghee, khoya and kheer from it but do not sell it as one-day milk hartal will be observed in Haryana," he said.