CHANDIGARH: Violence continued to rage in Haryana today with stone-pelting mobs attacking security personnel trying to clear a road blockade and torching Government vehicles even as the death toll in the nine-day old Jat quota stir was put at 16.
As protesters continued to block some roads including the arterial Delhi-Ambala Highway, the Centre directed security forces to use force to clear blockades.
“The security forces were asked to use force to clear all the places where the protesters were squatting affecting communication network and water supply,” a Union Government official said in Delhi.
The All India Jat Aarakshan Sanghursh Samiti (AIJASS) later in the evening announced lifting of its dharnas on national and state highways in view of the BJP setting up a committee under a Central minister to examine the quota demand for the Jat community.
Besides Sonipat, fresh incidents of arson and violence erupted in several districts including Rohtak, Kaithal and Hissar. (AGENCIES)
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