Jats protest at Jantar Mantar
Demanding reservation in jobs and education several thousand Jats from Haryana, Delhi, UP, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and MP gathered at Jantar Mantar to voice their demands. Protesters threatened to block essential services saying "Life in Delhi will come to a standstill if reservation demands not met." They also demanded the release of protesters jailed in last year's protests.
The Jat background
Jats are traditionally an agricultural community in Northern India. Forming 29% of Haryana's population, in 2016, the total Jat population in India was estimated at 8.25 crore. As of this year, 7 out of the state's 10 chief ministers have been Jats. They are traditionally known to have a disregard for the Varna system, which classifies all humankind into four strata of society.
What do the Jats want?
In India, reserved quotas for government jobs, admissions to educational institutes, scholarships account for 49.5% of the total seats. Of the 49.5%, the OBCs, SCs and STs hold 27%, 15% and 7.5% of the reserved seats respectively. The Jat protestors seek to be included in the Central Government's list of OBC castes, in contrast to their current OBC status in 7 states.
Series of protests
Beginning with non-violent protests on 12th and 13th February, the Delhi-Hisar railway line was blocked by the Jats. On 14th February, the Delhi-Fazilka NH-10 was blocked and protests spread to Sonepat, Jhajjar and Bhiwani. Violent protests began in Rohtak on 18th February, after the police raided a boys' hostel, allegedly assaulting the Jat students. Vehicles were set on fire and business establishments were destroyed.
Why again?
Post the February Jat agitation which paralyzed Delhi for 10 days, the state government brought in laws providing reservation for Jats and five other communities under a newly carved Backward Classes (C) category. After the High Court stayed the case, Jat groups renounced their stir.
What do the protestors seek?
Apart from the demands of inclusion in the OBC category, the protestors on 5th June submitted a memorandum to the district sub-divisional magistrate at Jhajjar. They seek the release of Jats arrested in February's protests and a retraction of FIRs against them. They want the protestors killed in the February violence to be acknowledged as 'shaheeds' (martyrs). They also demand compensation for the injured.
Fresh Jat agitation from today, Haryana on alert
A section of Jats has given a call for fresh agitations from today, leading authorities to put the state on alert. Section 144 has been imposed in Rohtak, Sonepat and Jhajjar. Haryana's additional chief secretary (Home), Ram Niwas said "the administration is fully geared up to maintain law and order." Assembly of more than 5 people close to railway stations and highways is prohibited.
Intelligence warns of intensified Jat agitiation
Sources have warned that the Jat agitations in parts of the NCR would intensify soon and create major law and order problems during the UP elections. The groups would operate under the Akhil Bhartiya Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti, seeking reservation in education and government job sectors. A report with the demands of Jat leaders has been sent to the PMO.
Don't pressurize judge in Jat quota stir: HC
Observing that a judge hearing cases from the 2016 Jat agitation was "under pressure", Punjab and Haryana HC directed to not "pressurize the lady". Referring to media reports on assurance by the state on withdrawal of cases, the bench said, "It shouldn't appear cases are being withdrawn under pressure." Additional solicitor general of India Tushar Mehta warned of "appropriate action" against those who interfere.
Jats protest at Jantar Mantar
Demanding reservation in jobs and education several thousand Jats from Haryana, Delhi, UP, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and MP gathered at Jantar Mantar to voice their demands. Protesters threatened to block essential services saying "Life in Delhi will come to a standstill if reservation demands not met." They also demanded the release of protesters jailed in last year's protests.
