Panel to review criminal cases, Jats to continue stir

Tribune News Service

Panipat, February 20

All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti which is spearheading the Jat agitation in Haryana on Monday decided to continue with dharnas in the state even as the government agreed to set up a four-member committee to review criminal cases registered last year.

“The government agreed to enhance compensation amount from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh to those who got disabled during the last year’s agitation,” AIJASS chief Yashpal Malik told mediapersons after the meeting that lasted for over three hours.

The government's five-member committee headed by chief secretary D S Dhesi held talks with Jat leaders.

AIJASS chief Yashpal Malik said, "The agitation by Jats will continue till the demands are met."

He said a four-member committee — two each from the samiti and government side — would review the criminal cases registered last year.  

"The meeting was held for over three hours in two to three phases. Understanding has been reached between the Jats and government on two issues and peace will be maintained at all costs in the state," Dhesi said.

He said the government has provided jobs to 25 next of the kin of those killed during the last year's stir.

"The Jats wanted permanent jobs for the next of kin of those killed in the violence and government will consider this after discussions with the newly set up panel," Dhesi said.

The chief secretary said after the court verdict, the government will refer the Jats' demand for reservation in government jobs and educational institutes to the Centre.

The first round of talks between the two sides, held on February 11, had also remained inconclusive.

Terming Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar as a "wise man", Malik alleged that "a few persons within the BJP" want to "destabilise" him.

Yesterday, Khattar had said the Jats' demands will be fulfilled "within the scope of the law." — With PTI inputs