New Delhi: In the wake of continued violence by agitating Jats, additional 1,700 paramilitary troops have been sent to Haryana, taking the total number of central armed police personnel deployed in the troubled state to 5,000.
"We have sent 17 more companies of paramilitary personnel in addition to 33 companies sent in last three days," a senior Home Ministry official said.
A company of a paramilitary force comprises about 100 personnel. The additional forces have been sent following a request by the Haryana government, which is grappling with the situation arising out of the violence following the Jat stir for quota in government jobs.
During a telephonic conversation with Haryana Chief Minister M L Khattar on Friday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh had assured all assistance to the state government to deal with the situation.
National Crisis Management Committee, headed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha, has also assured Haryana government that there would be no dearth or delay in sending any assistance, including central forces.
Incidents of violence and arson continued overnight in the state with the Jat protesters setting on fire an ATM and records of a cooperative bank in Bhiwani district even as the Army staged flag marches in tense areas. Six people have been killed in the violence.
Despite various leaders, including the Haryana Chief Minister, appealing to the Jats to maintain peace, there was no let up in the protests which have disrupted normal life in Rohtak, Jind, Bhiwani, Jhajjar, Sonipat and Hisar.
