1 dead as India protests for caste benefits turn violent

Paramilitary forces have been deployed in and around Rohtak and other affected districts.

Later, the Chief Minister announced to enhance the quota of reservation in government jobs and admission in educational institutions for Economically Backward Classes in the State from 10 to 20 per cent.

The agitation, which has been going on for last few days, escalated and turned violent soon after an all-party meeting held by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar issued an appeal for calling it off but it was rejected by the protesters.

Mr Khattar said that in the meeting a “broad consensus” was reached between the government and the Jat leaders over the reservation issue.

Protesters had also targeted police and private vehicles, buildings housing offices, including two Toll Plazas at Hansi in Hisar district and near Rohtak, both located on the Delhi-Hisar-Fazilka National Highway.

Normal life remained disrupted as protesting Jats continued to block roads and rail routes, affecting the supplies of essential commodities to Rohtak, Jind, Bhiwani and other parts of the state.

He said Jats did not believe in violence and it was “anti-social” elements who were indulging in such acts to defame the community and to derail their agitation. The chief minister also announced an increase in the annual income ceiling for availing quota from Rs.2.5 lakh to Rs. 6 lakh so that maximum people could avail of benefits under this category. The committee will consider all suggestions including bringing an appropriate bill in this regard, he had said. They have also blocked Saharanpur-Kurukshetra road at Pipli, Ladwa in Kurukshetra district and Radaur of Yamunanagar district.

A Jat protester in Gurgaon said community members want a “written assurance from the government this time”. The roads to Sonipat and Jhajjar also remained blocked while those leading to Hisar, Jind and Bhiwani saw disruption.