Mining minister seeks apology from Jat leader

SONEPAT, SEPTEMBER 23

Haryana Minister of State for Mining and Geology Naib Singh Saini said here today that Jat reservation leader Hawa Singh Sangwan should offer unconditional apology for calling Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar a Pakistani.

Interacting with mediapersons at Joli village in the district, Saini said: “Such remarks are not tolerated in society and the leaders like Sangwan are not expected to make such remarks,” he added.

In reply to a question on the demand for reservation to Jats in the OBC category, he remarked that reservation should be on the economic basis. Defending the state government for introducing the minimum educational qualification for contesting PRI elections, the minister said: “If the elected representatives are educated, they can manage all activities in a better way”.

Jat land fumes at community leader's statement 

Jind: Residents of Jind city today protested against Jat leader Hawa Singh Sangwan for calling Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar a Pakistani. Cutting across party lines, INLD leaders and members of social organisations demanded registration of a case against Sangwan and also announced to submit a memorandum to Jind DC Ajit Balaji Joshi addressed to the Governor for action against the leader. "Sangwan has hurt the feelings of the Punjabi community of the state with his remarks. He doesn't even have the basic knowledge about the community members, who have progressed in society with their hard work," said Dr Hari Chand Middha, Jind city INLD MLA. Middha said Sangwan must apologise and if he didn't, the state government should take legal action against him for hurting the sentiments of the Punjabis. "With his irresponsible statement, Sangwan has tried to create tension between different communities of Haryana and government should not delay action," said Middha. —TNS

Sangwan refuses to apologise

Bhiwani: Under fire from several quarters for calling Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar a Pakistani, Hawa Singh Sangwan, who is leading the campaign for Jat reservation in the state, has refused to buckle down under pressure and apologise for his comments. Defending his move, Sangwan said it was historically correct that Punjabi Hindus had migrated from Pakistan at the time of Partition and took shelter in the country. On the criticism by political leaders, he said his comments should not be distorted for political gains by select leaders. —TNS