Jats stir spreads, prohibitory orders clamped in Rohtak

Normal life was badly hit as the ongoing Jat agitation for quotas spread to more parts of Haryana, after talks between community leaders and the government failed to break the deadlock,  on Thursday. Prohibitory orders have been clamped in Rohtak, banning the assembly of five or more persons.

The agitation spread to Kaithal, Karnal, Jind and other districts, disrupting road and rail traffic as protestors blocked various highways and railway lines. While college and university students had joined the protest in Rohtak on wednesday, students from various places such as Hisar, Kurukshetra and Kaithal joined the protestors on Thursday. 

Jats are demanding reservation in government jobs and educational institutions under OBC category. While rail and road traffic has been the worst hit in the Rohtak-Jhajjar region, the epicentre of the protests, Bhiwani, Sonipat and Hisar have also been adversely hit by the agitation.

The protesters, who had on Wednesday rejected Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s offer to enhance quota for economically backward classes (EBC) to include Jats, blocked roads at many places in Panipat on Thursday, which affected traffic going towards Uttar Pradesh.

Due to the blockades set up by the agitators, the Haryana Roadways suspended its bus services on many affected routes.

The Rohtak administration has imposed prohibitory orders in the entire district, banning the assembly of five or more persons. “Section 144 has been imposed with immediate effect from today in Rohtak,” Additional Deputy Commissioner Amit Khatri said.

Noting that the protesters have been asked to clear the blockades and disperse, he said: “We have warned them first and are hoping they will comply.” The orders were passed by Rohtak’s Deputy Commissioner DK Behera amid reports that anti-social elements might join protesters to disturb law and order situation in the district. Khatri said paramilitary forces have been put on standby in the district.

Rohtak is the native place of former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda and the Parliamentary Constituency represented by his son, Deepinder.  

Meanwhile, during a protest in this connection, traders and advocates clashed outside the court premises in Rohtak on Thursday.