Talks between govt, Jats 'positive', deadlock may end

Haryana minister Minister Ram Bilas Sharma who held talks with agitating leaders of the Jat community on Thursday claimed that both sides had reached an agreement and indicated that the deadlock may end on Friday.

"We held talks with them (the Jat leaders), which were held in a cordial atmosphere. The talks were positive and we have arrived at an agreement. On Friday, a formal announcement will be made," Sharma said, emerging after a long meeting with Jat community leaders.

He however did not divulge details of what demands of the community would be met. "Jats are part of our big family and we have convinced them," the minister said. The All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangarsh Samiti (AIJASS) led by Yashpal Malik is spearheading the agitation in the State, which entered its 47th day on Thursday.

Malik also said that talks remained "positive".

"On Friday, we will be meeting Chief Minister (Manohar Lal Khattar) in Delhi," Malik said.

About the talks held on Thursday, Malik said, "We put all our demands before them and government also gave its point of view. On Friday, when we meet the Chief Minister, we will make a formal announcement (take a final decision on the ongoing stir)".

Asked about community leaders' threat to lay siege to the national capital next week, Malik said, "regarding this too, we will make our stance clear on Friday in Delhi".