Tension prevailed in several parts of Haryana as police stopped leaders and activists of All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) going to Umra village of Hisar to oppose a government function to be presided over by Haryana finance minister Capt Abhimanyu on Saturday.
The finance minister was in Umra to inaugurate the 37th state-level women archery competition.
The AIJAAS had recently announced that it would oppose all government programmes of chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar and FM Abhimanyu in various villages across the state as the government has failed to keep its promises, including withdrawal of criminal cases against Jat youths registered during 2016 pro-quota agitation and reservation for the community in government jobs.
Police stopped the vehicles carrying Jat leaders and activists in Jind, Hisar, Hansi, Rohtak and Charkhi Dadri. Their vehicles were taken to various police stations.
Heavy police deployment was made in neighbouring districts to maintain law and order.
Many protesters were stopped near Jind-Hisar border. They shouted slogans against the government and local administration.
In Rohtak, the police stopped Jat protesters near Meham village and took them to a community centre. The protesters shouted slogans against the government.In Charkhi Dadri, the protesters were stopped near Dadri area.
{{/usCountry}}In Rohtak, the police stopped Jat protesters near Meham village and took them to a community centre. The protesters shouted slogans against the government.In Charkhi Dadri, the protesters were stopped near Dadri area.
{{/usCountry}}In Hisar, the Jat protesters took out a protest march on the national highway-9, sending the police in tizzy.
Talking to HT, AIJASS state spokesperson Rambhagat Malik said, “As soon we came to know that the finance minister is coming to a government programme in Umra village, we sent across messages to our activists to reach there to show black flags to the minister.”
He said the AIJASS had decided at a meeting in Jasia village on August 16 to oppose the programmes of Abhimanyu and Khattar.
AIJASS Hisar district president Mahender Singh Poonia said, “We had informed the Hisar administration that we will go to Umra to show black flags to the finance minister and hold a peaceful protest.
But the administration stopped our activists to reach the venue of the event. We have now decided to battle it out against the government and it should be ready to face similar protests across the state.”
Hansi deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Narender Kadian said, “We requisitioned police personnel from the adjoining districts, including those of Durga Shakti Rapid Action Force. No one will be allowed to breach law and order.”
Meanwhile, the inaugural ceremony of the archery competition was held in Umra without any disturbance.
Speaking on the occasion, Abhimanyu said the state government is providing best facilities to sportspersons. He did not say anything about the protests.