Parkash Singh Report on Haryana Jat Riots Blames Police for Laxity

Violence during the Jat agitation for quota. (Photo: PTI)

• The Parkash Singh Committee, a panel headed by the former Director General of Police (DGP) Uttar Pradesh and Assam, submitted its report on the role of police and civil administration officials during the Jat reservation stir to the Haryana government.
  
  
• The report pointed to “negligence” on the part of certain officials and “concerted efforts” to control the situation. Nearly 30 officers and officials were held responsible for “inadequate response” to the situation during the Jat reservation agitation from 7 to 22 February this year, which turned violent and paralysed life in 10 districts of Haryana.
  
  
• The Jat stir in February resulted in blockades of roads, including national highways, violence and extensive damage to public and private properties in many districts, including Sonipat, Rohtak and Jhajjar. At least 30 people were killed while 320 were injured.
  
  
• Retired IPS officer Parkash Singh is credited for filing a petition in the Supreme Court to bring large-scale police reforms in the country. He was entrusted by the Haryana government to study existing structures, procedures and systems for maintenance of law and order in the state and suggest improvements to prevent recurrence of such incidents. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, after getting the report, said the government would examine it and take appropriate action at the earliest.
  

(With agency inputs.)