Blames BJP minister for last year’s arson, seeks CBI probe

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, February 24

The All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) has ruled out further talks with the committee appointed by the state government. The samiti said that the committee was “powerless” and the state government had been adopting double standards in cases against members of the Jat community and other communities.

“We may talk to the state authorities, provided that the government representatives sent for holding the talks have the authority to take decisions on our demands,” said AIJASS leader Yashpal Malik while addressing a news conference here today.

Malik apologised to mediapersons for the insulting and threatening behaviour shown towards the reporters present at the dharna site in Jassia village on February 21. He promised that the dignity of the dais would be maintained henceforth and such episode would never be repeated in future.

In response to a query, he reiterated that they would observe a black day across the state on February 26, increase the number of dharnas from 20 to 30 with effect from March 1, stage a joint demonstration in New Delhi on March 2 and announce the further plan of action on that day.

The AIJASS leader alleged that certain BJP leaders were involved in the conspiracy behind the arson-violence episode witnessed during the Jat agitation for reservation in February 2016, while certain police officers sheltered those attacking members of the Jat community.

“Rohtak BJP MLA Manish Grover was behind the conspiracy to convert the peaceful agitation into violence. He used his influence to arrange explosive material used by the rioters. It was perhaps due to his role in inciting the riots that he was rewarded with the post of a state minister,” Malik alleged.

He further alleged that a woman leader of the ruling party had incited the agitators to burn the house of Finance Minister Capt Abhimanyu, while then Jhajjar SP Sumit Kumar sheltered those who had attacked Jat youths. He cited several other instances where no action had been taken against BJP leaders/workers allegedly involved in the arson.

The AIJASS leader demanded a CBI inquiry into the aforesaid allegations, accusing the state government of having double standards. He also demanded strict legal action against the police officers who had acted in a biased manner.

Earlier, the AIJASS core committee held a meeting and decided to continue and intensify the agitation. Addressing the protesters at Jassia village, Malik castigated the state government for not fulfilling the promises made by it last year.

Grover said he would be able to comment only after reading Malik’s remarks.