New Delhi: With the Jat agitation showing no signs of let up, the BJP government in Haryana on Saturday said it has “accepted” the demands of the community which is seeking quota under OBC category.
Appealing to protesters to end their stir, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in a statement here Saturday afternoon asked agitators to “return to their homes as the Government has accepted their demands”, but did not elaborate.
Read: Jat quota stir turns violent, top BJP leaders in a huddle to discuss crisis
After an all-party meeting here on Friday, the Chief Minister had said “a way will be worked out to give reservation to Jats.”
Jats have been demanding quota in jobs and educational institutions under OBC category. The agitators on Saturday demanded a “written assurance from the government”, saying they “cannot be befooled with hollow promises every time”.
Read: Jat quota: Shoot-at-sight orders issued in Haryana’s curfew-bound cities
As the Jat protest turned violent leading to the death of one person on Friday and spread to various parts of the state, Khattar on Saturday said nothing can be gained by damaging public property.
Read: More than 800 trains hit due to Jat stir
“No one will be benefited by damaging public property. Therefore, those agitating and the youth should maintain peace in the state,” he said.
Also read: BJP, RSS conspiring to divide Haryana on caste: Congress
He also urged people not to be swayed by rumours.
The Haryana CM also said the state government does not agree with the reported statements of BJP MP Raj Kumar Saini who had opposed any quota to Jats.
“No one should make such a statement which adversely affects the feeling of brotherhood,” Khattar said.
Read: Jat leaders reject Haryana government’s offer, quota agitation to continue
Notably, Jats are miffed at the opposition of Kurukshetra MP Saini to Jat reservation. He had objected to giving reservation to Jats and had even threatened to resign if the OBC quota is affected.
