Don't allow Jat rioters a free run again, appeals Assocham

NEW DELHI: In the wake of fresh Jat quota agitation, Assocham today appealed to the Haryana Government and Central agencies to take effective pre-emptive steps to ensure that it does not disrupt normal life in the state and the neighbouring areas.

The chamber said that strict vigilance must be maintained on all the water channels and resources in the state which are not only the supply sources to Haryana but also to neighbouring Delhi and other states.

Three months after their violent agitation left 30 people dead, Jat leaders in Haryana yesterday renewed their quota stir, drawing lukewarm response amid tight security.

"Along with better coordination with the Railways and the Central agencies, all the highways and railway lines must be protected at any cost and no untoward incident should be allowed anywhere in the state," Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat said.

He said the previous agitation has already dented the investor confidence in the state and the maximum damage was done to the trade and small industries and under no circumstances people's confidence should be affected again.

The industry body appealed to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to personally monitor the developments and "let the state administration be on top of the situation, rather than taking reactive steps".

The chamber said at a time when the country needs growth in a difficult economic environment, no state can afford any deterioration in the law and order situation.