Agitation a drama enacted by Malik, BJP, says Sangwan

CHANDIGARH: A day after successful talks between the government and All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) leader Yashpal Malik that led to lifting of dharnas from various districts, Hawa Singh Sangwan, president of the other faction of the samiti, today alleged that the agitation was a drama enacted by Malik and the BJP.

A Jat protester takes back his belongings after the dharna was lifted at Jassia village in Rohtak on Sunday. Photo: Manoj Dhaka

Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 19

A day after successful talks between the government and All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) leader Yashpal Malik that led to lifting of dharnas from various districts, Hawa Singh Sangwan, president of the other faction of the samiti, today alleged that the agitation was a drama enacted by Malik and the BJP. Sangwan, president of the other faction of the AIJASS, said the government was holding talks with a person it booked for sedition and was providing him all types of hospitality.

“What has Malik achieved in his talks with the government except waiver of the case of sedition registered against him?” Sangwan asked and alleged that the Uttar Pradesh Jat leader had used the pressure of agitation to get rid of criminal cases registered against him.

He alleged the government had not given anything new to the Jats after the talks.

Sangwan, who retired as commandant in the Central Reserve Police Force, said he was reminded of Mizo leader Laldenga against whom the Centre had given shooting orders when he was in the force. However, after a truce between Laldenga and the government, the same force was providing him security. He said the BJP government’s hobnob with Malik would be exposed soon.

Following Sangwan’s allegations, Malik described him as government’s stooge.

“Earlier, Sangwan used to call CM Manohar Lal Khattar a Pakistani, but now, he finds everything right with the government,” said Malik.

Meanwhile, Capt Ajay Singh Yadav, former minister and patron of the Haryana Bachao Sangharsh Sewa Samiti, alleged the BJP government was promoting Yashpal Malik eying the Uttar Pradesh elections.

Yadav alleged Malik was hand in glove with the BJP and the ruling party had been using him for caste divide for its electoral interests.

He said his samiti did not have any problem if the government gave reservation to the Jats, but it should not tamper with the 27 per cent quota being given to the Backward Classes.