Jats stir: 2nd round of talks on Monday, Balidan Divas peaceful

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Chandigarh: The Haryana government will hold a fresh round of talks tomorrow with the leaders of protesting Jats who are demanding quota in jobs and educational institutions.

In spite of Chief Minister Manohar Lal 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.

Haryana remained on high alert with maximum deployment of forces to prevent any untoward incident as the All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangarsh Samiti (AIJASS) observed "Balidan Divas" (day of sacrifice) in the memory of those who lost their lives in last year's agitation in the state.

As a precautionary measure, the state roadways suspended its bus services for today 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 is prevailing in the state and the organisers of demonstrations have assured of conducting them in a peaceful manner. He hoped that the issue will be resolved soon.

The AIJASS also agreed to participate in the second round of talks with the government in Panipat tomorrow.

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 and 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.