Chandigarh: In view of a section of Jat leadership threatening to renew the community’s pro-reservation agitation from January 29, the Haryana government on Tuesday directed the civil and police administration to undertake people contact programme to maintain peace in the state.In a written communication to all administrative secretaries, divisional commissioners, Inspectors General of Police, Deputy Commissioners, Commissioners of Police and Superintendents of Police, the government has directed them to closely monitor the situation and take necessary steps immediately, a Haryana government spokesman said here on Tuesday.
“They must ensure the security of all major critical points like drinking water supply to Delhi in Karnal and Sonipat. Also, traffic movement on the G.T. road (National Highway No.1) and roadways depots should also be secured. All departments should also secure their own installations and services with the assistance of their own staff and the police wherever required,” the communication said.The divisional and district authorities have been directed to send daily updates on the ground situation from their respective areas to the state headquarters.
A section of the Jat leadership recently announced its move to renew the Jat agitation for reservation which left 30 people dead last year.The Haryana government and police was keeping a close watch on some Jat leaders, especially those owing allegiance to the All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) headed by Yashpal Malik.The AIJASS has given a call for Jat protests from January 29.
Haryana Director General of Police K.P. Singh said earlier that if anyone was found indulged in any illegal activity or causing loss to public property, action would be initiated against him.The state government has requisitioned 55 companies of central police forces and ordered the deputing of 7,000 Home Guards in districts where trouble was expected during the agitation.The Jat agitation in February last year left 30 people dead and over 200 injured.Rohtak, Sonipat, Panipat, Jhajjar, Jind, Hisar and other districts were the worst affected during the Jat agitation last year.
Government and private property worth hundreds of crores was damaged and set on fire. Large-scale looting of commercial and business premises and even motorists was reported from the 10 worst affected districts.Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has said that people should refrain from participating in any agitation. He said the government will deal with the situation.
