With bitter memories of last year’s mob violence fresh in the minds of people, Haryana was on high alert on Sunday as a section of the Jat community started fresh protests in 19 districts.
Paramilitary forces and Haryana Police were monitoring the situation in the Jat-dominated districts of Rohtak, Jhajjar, Jind, Bhiwani, Sonipat, Panipat and others.
The call to resume the protests has been given by the All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) headed by Jat leader Yashpal Malik in 19 districts.
The Jats are demanding fulfilment of demands like release of youths arrested during the Jat agitation last year, jobs to kin of Jats killed in the agitation and action against officials responsible for firing on Jat agitationists.
"Security agencies are keeping a close watch on some Jat leaders, especially those owing allegiance to the AIJASS," said a senior police officer.
The Haryana government has requisitioned 55 companies of central police forces and ordered the deployment of 7,000 Home Guards, besides Haryana Police personnel, in districts where trouble is expected.
Central forces and Haryana police had carried out flag marches in Rohtak and some other places on Saturday to instil confidence in people.
The Jat agitation in February last year left 30 people dead and over 200 injured.
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.
Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has said people should refrain from participating in the agitation. He said the government will strictly deal with the situation if it gets out of hand.
(With inputs from IANS)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)