Jat stir continues as leaders turn down govt plea for a meet

The Jat agitation in Haryana seeking reservation in education and government jobs among other demands entered its 20th day today, even as the members of the community turned down a government plea for holding fresh parleys.

"We have turned down the fresh appeal of ADGP (law and order) Mohammad Akil for holding parleys...the next course of action and shape of agitation will be decided on February 19," Yashpal Malik, president of the All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS), which is spearheading the agitation, said.

A 50-member committee of the AIJASS at a meeting in Jassia at Rohtak on Friday concluded that the Jat protest will continue in a "peaceful manner", he said. The protest by Jats continued at different location across Haryana, he said adding "we are committed to maintain peace at all costs."