Jats block highways; situation in Hisar tense

Tension prevailed in Hisar district of Haryana as the standoff continued between the protesting Jats and the state government over release of those arrested during the agitation to press for reservation under OBC category.

"We are not going to hold any talk with the state government till the time our demand (of releasing those arrested) is met. There will also be no talks with the Khap leaders, who are only acting on behalf of the state government," All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti leader, Suresh Koth said.

The Jats have blocked several roads, including Hisar-Delhi and Hisar-Chandigarh national highways. Rail links to Delhi, Punjab and Rajasthan also continued to remain paralysed.

Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda urged the Jats to exercise restraint and cremate the body of the youth, killed in alleged police firing.

Body of Sandeep, killed in clashes between police and protesters on March 6, continues to be placed beside the railway tracks as the Jats remained adamant demanding unconditional release of all those arrested.

Koth said the youth will not be cremated till their demand is met.