Jat unrest: Protestor was killed in retaliatory fire, says Haryana Police

Chandigarh : With violent protests by the Jat community demanding reservation under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category leading to the death of one person, the Haryana Police on Friday said that the agitator was killed in a retaliatory fire by BSF personnel, after they were shot at.

Haryana DGP Yashpal Singhal said they have requested for several companies of paramilitary forces and the amy's assistance to help them contain the agitation, which has taken a violent turn in many parts of the state.

"The mob vandalized the DIG office and police vehicles. Then, one of the protesters shot a BSF Jawan...In the retaliatory fire by the BSF, one protester was killed and few others were injured," Singhal told media here.

He further said the mob blocked any move to take the injured BSF jawan to hospital.

"Railway tracks and roads are being blocked and causing inconvenience to locals. I appeal to protesters to stop thisagitation," he added.

Singhal said that they have spoken to Chief of Army Staff General Dalbir Singh and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar about the requirement of army personnel.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had earlier in the day appealed to agitators to maintain law and order and a peaceful atmosphere in the state while chairing an all party meet to discuss the ongoing Jats reservation strike in Jhajjar and Rohtak.

The pro-reservation protests by Jats in Haryana had turned violent on Thursday, with several people being injured and reports of clashes between protesters and police personnel in Rohtak.

The state government ordered the district administration to block the use of mobile internet services in Jhajjar and Rohtak in the wake of the agitation.

Media reported that police and paramilitary forces had to resort to baton charges and firing of teargas shells to bring the situation under control.

Prohibitory orders have also been imposed in Rohtak.