Govt braces for ‘black day’ today

Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 25

Haryana has geared up to meet any eventuality with Jat agitators set to observe ‘black day’ tomorrow to protest against the BJP government’s failure to meet their demands.

With talks between the government-appointed committee and agitating Jats hitting a roadblock, the authorities are not taking any chances in view of protests by Jats throughout the state tomorrow and in Delhi on March 2.

Additional Chief Secretary for Home Ram Niwas today talked to DCs and SPs through video-conferencing and took stock of the situation in various districts.

He told them to deploy adequate police personnel at vulnerable points in view of the agitation and ensure that life was not disrupted and essential services continued.

Ram Niwas directed SPs to resolve grievances raised by agitators regarding fake cases, if any, and urged Jat leaders to meet the SPs concerned along with evidence, if any.

He said duty magistrates had been appointed, traffic diversions planned and adequate paramilitary forces made available in the state.

Sources said the police had been directed to keep a vigil near statues of various state icons in sensitive districts to thwart any act of vandalism. The police would use drones to keep a tab on protesters.

AIJASS president Yashpal Malik said protesters would sport black turbans, caps, ribbons and armbands tomorrow to protest against the government’s policies.

“From March 1, the protesters will start non-cooperation with the government and increase the number of dharnas. No one will pay power and water bills and loan instalments to the government,” he said.