Scores of Jat community members took to the streets here on Sunday and blocked Delhi-Rohtak NH-10 to observe ‘Balidan Diwas’ in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives on the same day last year, when their agitation for reservation turned violent. Protestors said that if government does not respond to their demands, they will further spread the protest to areas of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana and block highways.
The protest was led by All India Jat Aarakshan Sanghrash Samiti, with Jassia village of Rohtak district in Haryana at the centre of the action. The march started from Outer Delhi’s Mundka area and reached Rohtak road. Heavy police presence was ensured by both the state administrations to control any untoward situation if the mob turned violent.
“Today’s protest started from Mundka, after which we marched through Kanjhawla, Tikri Border, Madanpur and reached Rohtak Road. We were joined by lakhs of people from various areas of the capital like Munirka, Kishangarh, Alipur, Najafgarh and other places. It was a peaceful protest,” said Vijay Mann, one of the organisers.
Protestors reached the venue on several bikes and tractor trolleys, which were parked on the highway to block movements. Several women also arrived on the spot along with the family members of last year’s victims of the agitation. The protest was so massive that the traffic on the national highway which connects Rohtak to Panipat had to be diverted.
In their speeches, the protesters also targeted the Khattar-led BJP government in the state and challenged them to either meet the demands or face protest. “We lost our family members. No sacrifice can be bigger. If our demands remain unheard, we will hold bigger protests in other states. The sacrifice of our loved ones will not go waste,” said an agitator.
