Cops roll up their sleeves in anticipation of Jat stir

In the wake of the mass agitation by members of the Jat community, scheduled on March 20, Delhi Police on Thursday stated that they have not given any permission for an agitation.

Police also said they will not hesitate using force if the protestors are seen flouting rules or creating disorder. The holidays of the police force also stand cancelled till further orders.

Commissioner of Police Amulya Patnaik held a meeting with special CPs (Law and Order), Joint CPs, DCP and SHOs of all police stations and ordered them to firmly handle the situation.

"We are working in close coordination with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh police and will not allow protestors to cross borders and barge into the Capital. If they come in tractors or trolleys or private buses, we will impound the vehicles," said Madhur Verma, PRO, Delhi Police.

Police would intensify its presence at borders from where protestors are expected to arrive en masse in Delhi.

Out of the close to 30 border points, cops have identified 10 which could be termed vulnerable and could attract maximum police and paramilitary presence.

Close to 40,000 police personals and 40 companies of paramilitary forces will be deployed to keep tight vigil on March 20.

The deployment would begin a day before the scheduled protest.

When asked about measures in case protestors try to block roads or create jams at the borders, Verma said: "We would not allow them to create a ruckus and will not hesitate to use force if the need arises."

Moreover, Reserve Force will be kept in each district to handle any contingencies. Local police will ensure that residents or commuters do not face any inconvenience due to the agitation.

Outside forces, including Rapid Action Force and other central paramilitary forces, will also be deployed.

"The Jat protestors will not be allowed to come with lathis or dandas or any other lethal weapon in Delhi", said police.

Agitating groups of the Jat community from neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Punjab, besides those from Delhi, have warned of laying siege to the Parliament on March 20 to press their demands for reservation in government jobs and educational institutions.