ADGP promises release of ‘innocent’ youths; Jat body wants more

Sunit Dhawan

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, May 1

A few hours before the commencement of the ‘jail-bharo’ campaign called by the Jat Yuva Ekta Manch to press for the release of the Jat youths arrested in connection with the recent agitation for reservation, Haryana ADGP (Law and Order) Muhammad Akil announced that the evidence against the arrested youths would be re-analysed at the highest level.Those against who evidence was found inadequate will be released, he said.

Apparently buckling under pressure, the authorities concerned have even decided to take action against the police officials who were behind the arrests of such youths. Addressing a news conference at the Rohtak range IGP’s office here this morning, The ADGP parried a direct question whether the release of arrested youths would not lower the morale of the force.

On the other hand, the Jat Yuva Ekta Manch, which is organising the ‘jail-bharo’ campaign, has maintained that the protest-drive would not be taken back and they would continue the stir till all youths arrested in connection with the agitation for reservation are released.

Manch leader Naveen Malik maintained that nothing short of the release of all arrested youths and withdrawal of all cases registered in connection with the agitation was acceptable.

On being asked about the Jat body’s demand for the release of all arrested youths, the ADGP remarked: “People may ask for the moon, but we can not give them all they ask for. We have to function within the legal framework”.

The ADGP invited the community leaders to come forward with the cases in which innocent persons had been arrested and prompt remedial action would be taken.

Police and paramilitary forces were stationed in the city Jat protesters assembled at the Jat Bhawan in Rohtak to court arrests.