Jat Stir: Three Killed in Fresh Violence in Haryana, Death Toll 19

At least 6,500 paramilitary forces besides Army columns were deployed to assist the Haryana government to restore peace after several days of violence.

The Indian army has taken control of a canal that supplies three-fifths of Delhi’s water, the state’s chief minister said on Monday, raising hope that a water crisis in the metropolis of more than 16 million people can be averted.

Protesters in the neighboring state of Haryana captured and damaged a water canal that provides Delhi with 60% of its water supply.

The court has also sought a status report from the Haryana government based on the plea of Delhi government for restoration of water supply to the capital.

As protesters continued to block some roads including the arterial Delhi-Ambala Highway, the Centre directed security forces to use force to clear blockades.

“About 400 cusecs of water has been released from the kuchha sub-branch of the Munak Canal, out of which almost 300 cusecs will reach Delhi in 6-7 hours”.

Curfews ended in the towns of Hissar and Hansi as law and order were restored after three days of violence which saw crowds burning vehicles, banks, railway stations, shops and petrol stations.

Jats are now listed as upper caste, and are a large and politically influential community within Haryana, holding a third of the 90 state assembly seats.

The state government on Sunday agreed to the Jat community’s demand that they be given quotas for highly sought-after government jobs and for university places. “My government will also give jobs to affected families of those who are poor and economically backward”, Lal said. Around 80 percent of its 17 million residents normally receive piped water, according to the water board. Nineteen people were killed in the violence in surrounding Haryana state, and fears of water shortages led New Delhi to close its schools to conserve its supply.

They said that instead, they are relying on groundwater withdrawn by submersible electric pumps, common in Delhi, or are buying packaged drinking-water jars. “We are holding negotiations and are hopeful they will call off their protests as well”, Das said.