Jat quota agitation ends tomorrow: AIJASS

Chandigarh, Jun 18 In a relief for BJP-led Haryana government, All India Jat Arakshan Sangarsh Samiti (AIJASS), which is spearheading the pro-quota Jat agitation, tonight said it will call off its protest tomorrow.

The decision to call off the agitation, which entered the 14th day today, came after a marathon meeting held between AIJASS President Yashpal Malik and Haryana Minister Krishan Lal Panwar at Delhi.

During the meeting, Malik announced they would withdraw the agitation on June 19 at 5 PM after the representatives of the state government assured them that their demands would be looked into.

"Haryana government has almost accepted all our demands and assured us to resolve our issues within the ambit of law," Malik said.

In the meeting, Malik along with other Jat representatives put forth their 10 demands before the minister and sought assurance from him to resolve them at the earliest.

"The state government has been given time till August 31 to resolve our issues," said Malik.

Among major demands, protesting Jats have been demanding release of "innocent youths" arrested during February stir, adequate compensation and job to next of kin of those who lost their lives in the recent stir, sincere efforts by the government to get the stay vacated on Jat reservation in Punjab and Haryana High Court and withdrawal of cases against protesters during current phase of agitation.

"Our demonstrations will continue tomorrow. We will suspend our agitation at 5 pm tomorrow. Our representatives will go to the demonstration sites and inform protesters about the outcome of today's meeting and our future course of action," Malik said.

The Jat leader said a rally will be held at Mayyar village in Rohtak on September 13 and examine the government's action on the demands and also decide the future course of action.

The state government had yesterday held talks with several Jat leaders and Khap representatives in Panchkula. The AIJASS, which is holding the protest in several districts of the state, had stayed away from the talks.

PTI