Jat stir in Haryana turns violent; Army called in

Violence and arson shook Haryana on Friday as Jats demanding reservation went on a rampage prompting state government to call in the Army in seven districts.

Curfew with shoot-at-sight orders were imposed in two districts after a protester was killed in firing.

Jat protesters have been on warpath for the last few days, sitting on railway lines and roads, seeking reservation under the OBC category. On Friday, things went out of control.

Security personnel opened fire after a mob tried to set ablaze the house of a minister and the inspector general of police (IGP). One member of the Jat community was killed and more than 10 others, including security personnel, were injured after the BSF opened fire to control an agitating mob in Rohtak district on Friday, said Haryana DGP Yash Pal Singal.

The mob partially burnt the residence of Haryana Finance Minister Capt Abhimanyu. It also pelted stones at the residence, damaging the property. The minister’s car parked inside was also set on fire. 

The family of the minister was evacuated prior to the incident. The entrance to the house of the IGP was set ablaze. Several police vehicles, including the vehicle of the DIG, were burnt. 

The Centre rushed 1,000 paramilitary personnel as rampaging mobs held some policemen captive. The Army has been requisitioned in Rohtak, Jhajjar and Hisar that have been the epicentre of the agitation which entered the fifth day on Friday. 

Curfew was imposed in Rohtak and Bhiwani districts. A dialogue to end the impasse has remained inconclusive. 

The DGP said the state police did not fire upon the protesters and it was the BSF that opened fire in self-defence. “A gun shot from a country-made pistol was fired first at the BSF personnel, injuring one of its members. The protesters were not allowing the injured to be evacuated to the hospital,” he said.