CHANDIGARH: The Haryana Government today buckled down and announced compensation for those who were injured during the Jat agitation in February last year.
This was the government’s response to a decision by the All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) to observe February 19 as Balidan Divas (sacrifice day) the first anniversary of the Jat agitation for reservation in jobs and education.
The intensification of the Jat agitation spiked tension in Haryana, especially along the national highways passing through the state, which saw a lot of violence this month last year.
Some 30 people died and over 200 were injured in the agitation last year. Government and private properties worth hundreds of crores were damaged.
In preparation for February 19, the government has deployed 37 companies of paramilitary force personnel in addition to the district police and the Railway Police to keep the peace.
Additional director-general of police (law and order) Mohammad Akil said the law and order situation in Haryana would be kept under control and assured people that the national highways would be safe for travel on February 19.
Akil said AIJASS leaders have assured him that roads would not be blocked and there would be no violence during the protest.
However, with agitators expected to be out on the roads at some places, traffic movement may be slow and diversions may be enforced.
Akil said additional security arrangements have been made along national highways and at important railway stations.
As per the compensation announced by chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, any person who sustained a bullet injury in the Jat agitation last year will be paid Rs 1 lakh, and anyone who suffered a fracture but not due to a bullet will be paid Rs 50,000. The compensation will be Rs 25,000 for those who sustained minor injuries.
The compensation will be paid out of the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Deputy commissioners have been directed to immediately release the payments.
Government sources said the agitating Jat leaders are likely to be invited to a dialogue on February 20.