Haryana to review Jat cases, will pay Rs 2 lakh to disabled

Mukesh Tandon

Tribune News Service

Panipat, February 20

Giving in to pressure from the protesting Jats, the Haryana Government today agreed to pay Rs 2 lakh compensation to those left disabled in action by security personnel during last year’s pro-quota agitation. It would also form a four-member committee to review criminal cases pending before courts.

Editorial: Jats need to get it right

Speaking to the media after the second round of talks with members of  the All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) here, Chief Secretary DS Dhesi said a consensus had been reached on two important points. The meeting lasted more than three hours.

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“The samiti’s seven-point agenda was discussed with Yashpal Malik (AIJASS chief) and other members. The government has agreed to pay Rs 2 lakh compensation to those who sustained permanent injuries,” said Dhesi.

The government had earlier announced compensation ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh to those injured. The violence during the February 2016 agitation had left 30 persons dead and over 200 injured. Government and private properties worth hundreds of crores were also damaged.

Dhesi said the four-member panel would comprise two members each from government and samiti’s side. No date had been fixed for the next round of talks, but these would be held soon, said the Chief Secretary.

Malik too said the second round of talks was successful. “The government has been given seven days to fulfill the two demands. The ball is in their court now. The dharnas will be lifted as soon as they deliver,” he said.