One dead as quota demanding Jats clash with police

HISAR - One person was killed and several injured Monday as hundreds of Jat community members, demanding quota in government jobs and educational institutes, blocked National Highway No.10 in Hisar town and clashed with police.

The Haryana government Monday evening ordered a magisterial inquiry by the Hisar divisional commissioner. An official spokesman said the official has been asked to submit his report within one month.

According to police, hundreds of agitators blocked the highway connecting Hisar with New Delhi and indulged in arson in the nearby areas. A number of public properties and vehicles were set on fire and scores of people, including policemen, were injured.

Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on both sides of the highway.

“Several police personnel, including district police chief Subhash Yadav, were injured as mobs indulged in arson. They indulged in heavy stone pelting on police personnel during the rally,” said a Haryana Police spokesperson.

“They set vehicles on fire and damaged a bank. Police dispersed the mob by resorting to ‘lathi’ (baton) charge and use of teargas,” the official said.

The rally was organised by the All India Jat Aarakshan Sangarsh Samiti, which demanded reservation for the community in government jobs as well as in educational institutes.

The protesters gathered at Mayyaad near Hansi town.

Reports said scores of protesters were also injured in the clashes and were admitted to nearby hospitals.

“There were some anti-social elements among them who tried to disturb the law and order situation of the area. While we tried to talk to them, they suddenly attacked us. Some of them are still sitting on the highway,” a police official, who was present on the spot, told IANS.

Jat protesters had also gathered in Sonepat town to press their demand for reservations but were dispersed by the police.