Jat protests abate; blockades cleared

Haryana CM heckled in Rohtak

After eight days of violence which claimed 18 lives, strife-torn Haryana is now slowly limping back to normalcy.

The mob fury and protests subsided on Tuesday as blockades on several state and national highways were lifted, clearing the way for vehicular traffic. No major incident of violence, vandalism or arson was reported on Tuesday.

The Chandigarh-Delhi national highway was opened for traffic as protesters returned home from many places where they had camped for days.

Politicians, however, were at the receiving end in Rohtak. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar was heckled by angry residents who interrupted his speech. The residents shouted out their demands and asked the chief minister to make an announcement on the spot.

Former chief minister B S Hooda, too, met with the same fate. Furious residents hurled shoes at his vehicle while he was on a visit to his home turf, accompanied by son and MP Deepinder Hooda. The leaders also faced unsavory sloganeering. Reports stated that some Congress leaders were also beaten during a “peace meeting” of the communities and swiftly exited looking for cover.  

Still on high alert
Curfew in many trouble-torn areas was lifted, but continues to be in effect in some areas as a precautionary measure, including at Bhiwani.

Security agencies continue to be on high-alert with indications of a sabotage to disrupt peace in the region. The agitation also appears to be fast spilling over to pockets in neighbouring Rajasthan, where the protest now threatens to turn violent. 

In several areas, markets partially opened, but schools in all troubled areas remained closed. State roadways resumed service on some routes. People are now left to count their loses as hotels, shopping complexes, shops, schools, industries, colleges and university campuses have all been targets of the mob that went berserk.

The government has issued instructions to insurance companies to release compensation amounts within 15 days. 

Many areas in strife-hit districts wore a near deserted look. Military columns continue to stay in riot-affected areas even after four days.

Columns of the Kharga Corps of the Western Command are now deployed in Sonepat, Panipat, Karnal, Kaithal, Rohtak and Bavana, and flag marches are being conducted along all sensitive areas in these districts to prevent any untoward incident and instil confidence among the people.


The army has also been involved in helping out the stranded passengers, particularly the aged, to safer places. Rapid deployment of Internal Security Columns was done by employing helicopters.

The Army said it restored supply of water to the national capital by taking control of the important regulators along the Munak canal. The Army is carrying out intensive patrolling along the stretches of the canal.