Jat stir: Vij for action against those behind arson, violence

Chandigarh, Feb 24: Haryana Cabinet Minister Anil Vij on Wednesday, Feb 24 sought action against those who were behind arson and violence during the 10-day Jat agitation which saw loss of life and property.

In a series of tweets, the Health Minister also advocated for action against those officials who allegedly failed in containing violence during the pro-quota stir. "In BJP, there is no Jat and non-jat. We don't believe in caste (jaat-paat). We only want action against arsonists and those who hatched conspiracy to trigger arson," he tweeted.

"We want action against those who failed to contain arson and violence," he said in another tweet. The Ambala MLA also sought compensation for those who suffered extensive damage to their property at the hands of the protesting mobs.

On February 22, Vij got upset after a Cabinet meeting, reportedly over the announcement of compensation of Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia and government job to the next of kin of "innocent persons" killed in the agitation.

At one time he had even offered to resign but was calmed down by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who later called him to his residence to pacify him.

Khattar, who had to face a hostile crowd in Rohtak yesterday, also said the government would take action against those who burnt shops and commercial establishments.

The CM had also said the state government would give full compensation to those whose property was damaged. Rohtak, the epicentre of the stir, saw massive damage to private property belonging to non-Jat people.

The business community has alleged the mobs deliberately targeted shops owned by the non-Jats. As per rough estimates, over 200 shops and commercial establishments in Rohtak were robbed and torched.

PTI