Chandigarh:
The 'Balidan Divas', observed by Jats in Haryana on Sunday, passed off peacefully while Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar claimed that a fresh round of talks will be held on Monday with the agitating committee members.
The state was on high alert with the maximum deployment offorces to prevent any untoward incident in view of the 'Balidan Divas' (day of sacrifice) observed by the All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangarsh Samiti (AIJASS) in the memory of those who lost their lives in 2016's violent agitation in the state.
As a precautionary measure, the state roadways suspended its bus services for the day on some routes in sensitive districts, including Hisar, Rohtak, Kaithal and Sonipat, an official said.
The Chief Minister said that as per reports received, peace and harmony prevailed in the state and the organisers of demonstrations had assured him of conducting themselves in apeaceful manner.
Khattar told reporters at Chandigarh that the talks would be held with the Jat leaders on Monday and their demands would be fulfilled within the scope of the law. The AIJASS agreed to participate in the second roundof talks with the government in Panipat on Monday.
The Chief Minister hoped the issue will be resolved soon. In spite of Khattar saying that their demands will befulfilled "within the scope of the law", the Jat body leading the agitation on Sunday threatened to step it up and passed resolutions asking the community members not to pay power and water bills till their demands are met.
Meanwhile, its president, Yashpal Malik, who addressed sit-ins in Joli-Lath and Jassia in Sonipat and Rohtak districts, said eight resolutions were passed on Sunday by the protesters asking the community members "to stop paying their power and water bills till their demands are met".
"From March 1, they will not cooperate with the government. No one will pay power, water bills and instalmentof loans that they owe to the government," he said.
He threatened that the stir will be intensified in Bhiwani, Jind, Kaithal, Panipat, Hisar, Karnal, Dadri, Kurukshetra, Mewat and Panchkula from March 1. The AIJASS leader also said Jats from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh will protest in the national capital on March 2 and submit a memorandum on the issue to the President.
They also plan to gherao Parliament, the date for which will be announced on March 2. Malik said February 26 will be observed as "Black Day" byJats and to protest against the state government's policies,the community members will wear black turbans, ties, ribbonsand arm bands.
The AIJASS president has appealed to the people to stop the supply of milk to Delhi and a date in this regard will be announced later. "I appeal to my brothers and sisters not to sell milk on that day. Prepare ghee, khoya and kheer from it but do notsell it as one-day milk hartal will be observed in Haryana,"he said.
