Jat reservation stir: Army called in to quell violence in Haryana

Reports on Saturday said several shops were looted while a mall was also torched while the Army personnel facing road blocks used choppers to enter the town.  

Demonstrators reportedly burnt Finance Minister Captain Abhimanyu's residence. However, no casualty was reported.

The minister was in Chandigarh and his family had been moved to safety earlier.

According to reports, RN Mall in Rohtak  was burnt by demonstrators.

Three people have been killed in police firing so far, reports said.

Haryana  Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar urged people to maintain law and order in the state as he tweeted: "I appeal to all my fellow Haryanvis to maintain law & order in the State, and ensure that harmony is maintained in the society."

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also tweeted:"I appeal to my brothers and sisters of Haryana to maintain peace and order in the state."

The violence, which is continuing for nearly a week, led to the blocking of mobile internet services in Rohtak.

The army was called in to tackle eight worst affected areas including Rohtak, Jhajjar, Sonepat, Bhiwani, Karnal and Hisar.

Meanwhile, about 150 trains have been cancelled owing to the protests while road communication was also badly hit stalling bus services.

The Jat leaders earlier turned down the government's effort to iron out the issue saying it is only trying to mislead them with no real intention to give them reservations.