Jat stir: Sec 144 imposed, internet services suspended in Haryana

Chandigarh: Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC were imposed and internet services suspended in many 'sensitive' districts of Haryana on Saturday in the wake of the Jat body's plan to ghearo the Parliament on March 20.

The section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), prohibiting unlawful assembly, has been imposed in many sensitive districts, including Rohtak, Jhajjar, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri and Hisar, where internet services have also been suspended for indefinite period, official sources told PTI.

Restrictions have been imposed on the movement of tractor-trolleys from one district to another, they said, adding that the Army has been called in to manage the situation.

Meanwhile, All-India Jat Aarkashan Sangarsh Samiti (AIJASS), the body spearheading the agitation for reservation, remained firm on laying a siege to the national capital from March 20 as they alleged that their demands had not been met.

AIJASS president Yashpal Malik said the Centre should intervene to resolve the issue.

"From February last year, we have held talks on six occasions with the Haryana government. But our demands have still not been met," he said.

He also alleged that the Manohar Lal-led state government was "confused and not showing sincerity in resolving the issue".

Reacting on Khattar's statement that the Jat body was "frequently shifting the goal posts and that Malik had made unilateral announcements in Panipat that they (Jats) were to have a meeting with the CM in Delhi yesterday", the AIJASS president said, "Attempts are being made to weaken our agitation. This government looks utterly confused. Their statements are only complicating the situation."

"We wanted the Chief Minister to take a final call on our demands. It was decided that he will meet us in Delhi and discuss all issues with us. But the CM skipped the meeting despite being in Delhi," he claimed.

"Therefore, we have decided to continue with our agitation and we will now move to Delhi on March 20," he said.

On the imposition of prohibitory orders in the state, Malik said, "We have the right to protest. We have been doing so for the last so many days in a peaceful manner. The law of the land does not prevent us from going to Delhi to raise our point in a democratic manner."

Besides seeking quota, the demands of the Jats include release of those jailed during last year's agitation, withdrawal of cases slapped during the protest and government jobs for the kin of those killed and injured while taking part in the stir.

The Jats have been sitting on dharna in various parts of Haryana since January 29.

Entry of people to Lutyens' Delhi will be restricted from tomorrow as Delhi Police has decided to impose prohibitory orders to prevent Jat community members from going ahead with their march to Parliament on Monday.

Delhi Police has decided to impose prohibitory orders under CrPC Section 144 across the national capital from tomorrow and put a strict vigil in Lutyens' Delhi on Monday to prevent protesters.\

"Under no circumstances, any kind of dharna, violent protest will be allowed in Delhi. We have put adequate security and safety measures in place and tractor-trolleys will not be allowed to enter Delhi from border areas," said Dependra Pathak, chief spokesperson of Delhi Police and Special Commissioner of Police (Operations).

A three-tier security cover will be in place with 110 companies of external force assisting Delhi Police in maintaining vigil.

"All the checkings will be in place and there might be inconvenience for children and entrance exam aspirants. It is advised that those who are appearing for CBSE exams or for other entrance exams should keep a track of time," he said.

From 11 PM tomorrow, entry to Lutyens' Delhi will be restricted and persons fulfilling certain criterion will only be allowed entry after proper verification and checking.

Bona fide residents, employees working in offices situated in Lutyens' Delhi, emergency vehicles, entrance exam candidates, ambulance, hearse van, fire brigade, school buses and those who have come to the area for some work will only be allowed entry after furnishing proof, said another officer.

"New Delhi will not be used as transit point for people going from north to south Delhi or vice-versa. Commuters wishing to travel from south Delhi to central Delhi are advised to use Ring Road," said Delhi Traffic Police in an advisory.

Roads like Kamal Ataturk Marg, Safdarjung Road, Kautilya Marg, Kautilaya T Point Near Bihar Bhawan, route from Teen Murti to Gole Methi roundabout and Zakir Hussain Road for the commuters coming from Nizamuddin to India Gate will be closed from 8 PM onwards tomorrow.

Other routes between Ring Road and San Martin Marg, Amrita Shergill from Lodhi Road, Max Mueller Mag from Lodhi Road, Arch Bishop Macarious from Lodhi Road and all lanes leading to Panchkuia road except Mandir Marg, RK Ashram Marg and Hospital Road will be closed from tomorrow 11 PM onwards.id.