Violence during Jat stir to be thoroughly probed: Haryana CM ML Khattar

Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday said the incidents of violence and arson that had occurred during the Jat reservation agitation in the state would be thoroughly investigated and those found guilty would not be spared.

Khattar assured that the state government would not act with the feeling of revenge while probing the incidents, an official release said.

The Chief Minister said that he felt the days from February 18 to 22 were not a part of reservation agitation.

"All the incidents of violence would be inquired into and stern action would be taken against those found involved in such activities," he said.

Such people might be from any caste or community, the Chief Minister said, adding that letting them off would further "embolden their spirit" to commit such acts.

He said those who indulged in such activities by mistake might be spared but those who planned and deliberately resorted to such acts would not be spared.

Khattar was addressing the Khap leaders and representatives of various communities who called on him to thank him after The Haryana Backward Classes (Reservation in Services and Admission in Educational Institutions) Bill, 2016 was passed by the Assembly unanimously two days back.

Khattar said that Congress had given reservation to Jats in its last year of second term "whereas we have got The Haryana Backward Classes (Reservation in Services and Admission in Educational Institutions) Bill, 2016 passed just after completion of our first year".

"The work done by Congress in its last year were either politically motivated or had vested interest," he claimed.

He said that the state government has not only maintained the reservation provisions of BC-A and B categories, but has also extended some more benefits to them through this Bill.

Those castes which are not included in this Bill could avail the benefit of reservation under Economically Backward Classes, he added.

The Chief Minister said BJP is the party of all sections of the society.

"It was ensured while extending benefit to one community that no injustice was done to other sections of the society," he said.

He described Khaps or caste councils as 'Sarva Jatiya Khap' and urged them to work towards maintaining brotherhood in the society.

On the occasion, Khattar said a blueprint has been prepared for providing maximum employment to the youth of the state.

He said that besides government jobs, special emphasis is being laid on generating self-employment opportunities. Apart from this, efforts were being made to boost industrialisation in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister Abhimanyu asked the Khap leaders to form committees and visit the houses of those families who had lost lives or property in this agitation.

Thirty people lost their lives in violence during the agitation last month while there was massive damage to property at some places including worst-hit districts of Rohtak and Jhajjar.