6 dead in protests for caste benefits in northern

[rooster59]

6 dead in protests for caste benefits in northern

NEW DELHI (AP) — Hundreds of army and paramilitary soldiers on Saturday tried to quell protests by angry mobs demanding government benefits in a northern Indian state, with at least six people killed in clashes between security forces and protesters, officials said.

The violence raged for a second straight day, as protesters burned several railroad stations and attacked shops and vehicles in several towns in Haryana state, said police officer Y.P. Singhal.

Protesters also blocked highways linking New Delhi to key northern cities, he said, adding that authorities ordered police to fire without warning at those instigating violence.

The protesters are members of the lower-caste Jat agricultural community, who are demanding benefits both at the federal and state levels, including guaranteed government jobs or university spots. Talks Friday between community leaders and state government representatives failed to lead to an agreement.

Authorities used helicopters to bring in army soldiers to the worst-hit districts of Rohtak, Bhiwani and Jhajjar, where curfews were in place, Singhal said. Five more towns were put under curfew later Saturday to prevent the violence from spreading.

Four people were killed in clashes between security forces and protesters, said Federal Rural Development Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh. Police said at least 78 other people have been injured since Friday.

The Press Trust of India news agency quoted a Haryana state government statement as saying that two more protesters were killed when security forces fired at them at they tried to torch some vehicles and shops in the state.

The statement said the protesters also fired at security forces and attacked them with sticks and stones on Saturday.

Press Trust said five protesters were fatally shot by security forces on Saturday and one on Friday.

India's constitution includes a system of affirmative action for people in the lowest castes to help them overcome discrimination. The government has expanded the number of groups, including the Jat, qualifying for quotas.

-- (c) Associated Press 2016-01-21

[lungbing]

I thought the caste system in India had officially been abolished.

[slapout]

I thought the caste system in India had officially been abolished.

You are correct, officially, but in in the real world of India it is still recongized and is just part of the social order.

[webfact]

India deploys thousands of troops to quell caste quota protests



NEW DELHI: -- India has deployed thousands of troops to quell protests linked to the country’s caste system of social structure.

Many from the Jats caste,considered to have a high social status, are angry because people from so-called lower castes benefit from positive discrimination and quotas for government jobs and educational openings in India.

The protests in the northern state of Haryana have severely hit water supplies to Delhi, home to more than 20 million people.

“Due to the ongoing tension in Haryana, water supplies from the Munak canal to Delhi have been stopped,” explained Dehli chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. “There has been no water supply from there for two days. That’s created an acute water crisis in Delhi.”

The Delhi government has rationed water supplies to residents to make sure hospitals and emergency services have enough.

The protesters have been driven by members of the Jat agricultural community, who are demanding benefits both at the federal and state levels, including guaranteed government jobs or university places.

Officials said at least ten people have been killed in clashes between security forces and demonstrators. More than seventy other people have been injured since Friday (February 19).


-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2016-02-22

[elgordo38]

I thought the caste system in India had officially been abolished.

Officially maybe but you know how official and unofficial works world wide don't you. Sticks and stones against guns. India is looking for foreign investment so all you industrial giants pile in cheap labor tight government control and poop all over the streets little in the way of pollution controls a great business opportunity. Just the work force your looking for. But be careful the world is reaching a tipping point and this scene could s00n play out in a city near you.

[Nobb]

India is the best nation for the U.S.A. to invest in for a honorable military defence partner in Asia. More honor than Asia and not obligated to the Chines! Never believe a Asian!

[wellred]

Not really related to this article per say, but in terms of marriage, the caste system is still very much an important point (unfortunately) and reaches all the way here in the UK. That's why I'm going to stick 2 fingers up to everyone and marry a Caucasian. [emoji41]

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