India continues to pay a price for persisting with reservations.
Jats in Haryana want OBC status. They have resorted to arson, looting and vandalism. They have threatened to disrupt Commonwealth Games if their demand is not met. Trucks and buses have been set on fire. Hissar railway station has been set on fire. Transportation disrupted. Banks looted.
Jats in Rajasthan got OBC status. Then Gujjars in Rajasthan who were OBCs wanted ST status and resorted to violence. Meenas opposed ST status to Gujjars.
It seems rule of law has no meaning in Haryana. Khap panchayats murder people and government does nothing. Haryana chief minister Bhoopinder Singh Hooda’s surrender to violence is shameful. He has said the damage to government and private property is done by anti-social elements instead of holding leaders of Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti responsible for damage.
Central government must untie the Gordian knot of reservations. It must abolish reservations in legislatures, local bodies, government jobs and government educational institutions. That will put an end to become EBCs, OBCs, SCs and STs. Those who damage property must be made to pay for it. Policemen who do their duty should be not punished. The situation demands bold action.