Boycott traders who don’t support stir: Malik to Jats

Sunit Dhawan

Tribune News Service

Jassia (Rohtak), February 26

All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) leader Yashpal Malik has asked community members to purchase items of daily needs and other household goods only from those shopkeepers who display posters stating that they support the Jat agitation.

Addressing the “black day” event here today, Malik reiterated the move to launch non-cooperation from March 1, asking the community members not to pay their electricity and water bills and loan instalments.

He asked community women to attend dharnas and male members to participate in the token protest in Delhi on March 2 and a major demonstration after Holi.

AIJASS general secretary Ashok Balhara indicated that the National Highway Nos. 1, 8 and 10 passing through the state would get blocked due to the large number of tractor-trailers moving towards Delhi for the protest. He also called for observing a “black and dry” Holi.

In a marked shift from the old stance, he said now they did not want to get the arrested Jat youths released or cases against them withdrawn, instead they wanted the arrest of accused belonging to other communities.

The protesters, many of whom wore black clothes, raised slogans in support of Jat unity and against the Khattar and Modi governments.

A considerable number of followers of controversial saint Rampal were also present in the gathering. They also raised slogans from the dais. An announcement was also made as regards Rs 10,000 contribution from 9 Jat Regiment of the Army in support of the agitation.

Meanwhile, Malik’s remarks about the boycott of shopkeepers have evoked a sharp reaction from the trading community. Traders maintained that seeking support forcibly was unacceptable. Several leaders of traders have demanded a strict legal action against Malik.