Haryana Jat agitation: Arson could not have taken place without political conspiracy, says CM

Rohtak: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday said incidents of arson in Rohtak, which had occurred on a large scale during the Jat agitation for reservation, could not have taken place without a "political conspiracy".

"It is not possible without a political conspiracy and this act of demonic mentality should be condemned," said Khattar who visited the city to see the properties set on fire during the agitation in February.

He visited the house of Finance Minister Abhimanyu and Sindhu Bhawan, where he went to educationist Chaudhary Mitrsen's room which was also set on fire. He also met Mitrsen's son Veer Sen Sindhu and wife, Parmeshwari Devi.

Later, Khattar told reporters, "The economic loss can be recovered but people have been badly hurt and their flourishing businesses have been reduced to ashes."

He said after seeing the house of the Finance Minister, one can say that it was not possible without a political conspiracy.

"The incidents of arson are part of a conspiracy. The lives of the members of the family were in danger," he said.

Asked who could be behind the violence, Khattar said the Judicial Commission would look into it and the guilty would not be spared.

On allegations that traders were being forced to sign the form of compensation, Khattar said it was a personal decision to sign the form and in case the trader is not satisfied, he should not sign it.

"One must get compensation for the damage suffered and the government is completely serious on the issue," he said, adding, government has also sought the help of social organisations to assess the loss.

Khattar sought to play down the row set off by a photograph of Sudeep, one of the arson accused, with BJP leaders which was released by Congress, saying it was a common practice to get photographed with political personalities.

"It is one aspect which cannot be specially addressed. There are evidence which have been gathered during the violence. Videos and photographs showing the people would be considered as proof," he said.

On his announcement that cases registered against people would be withdrawn, the Chief Minister said he had never committed that all cases would be withdrawn.

"But if someone is not guilty, he should not be scared as such cases would be withdrawn. Those who are guilty would not be spared," he said.

On the action to be taken on the report of Parkash Committee, Khattar said the committee was constituted to investigate the role of officials during the agitation and he would comment only after receiving it.

The chief minister also visited Sukhpura Chowk and D Park in the city.