Feb 8 rally and its effect. Future
Reports are now coming through about the bid demonstration in Delhi by the Jats seeking reservation at the Central Government level, (that would include the State level).
The rally was by all means a resounding success. - Over 60,000 persons attended.
This despite little or no promotion and none of the major Jat leaders taking part. This was a grass root movement.
The demonstration was peaceful, at least from the side of the demonstrators.
Unfortunately the police, under orders from the local administration chose to use a Lathi charge and also fire tear gas.
One of the aims of the demonstrators was to deliver a petition to Sonia Gandhi and to Rahul Gandhi, who are the prime leaders of our country.
The police claimed they had instructions not to allow the demonstrators beyond a certain point, and would use a Lathi charge and tear gas. A number of people were hurt, but fortunately not very badly.
Some in the police, sought to order the police constables to start a Lathi charge on the old men present. They were warned that if they did do so, and if anyone was hurt, that person would be chased for the rest of his life justice was obtained. The person meekly withdrew to the back of the police lines, and was not seen again- the bravado was gone.
Interestingly many in the police force did not want to blindly follow orders and hurt their brethren, - something one hopes did not entirely escape the attention of the administration officials.
Practically all administration officials, prefer to have their orders carried out by others and do not wish to come in front.
At one point a government official approached the demonstrators and proposed that a meeting with a central govt minister would be organized, and the petition would be delivered to Sonia Gandhi.
This being achieved the rally was called off, the demonstrators disbursed to their homes.
A meeting was held with Mukul Wasnik, a Central Government Minister, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. Mr. Mukul Wasnik met with Mr. Malik and other leaders.
The Minister indicated that the govt was willing to give reservation to UP Jats, but that it would take time.
To this Mr. Malik ( who is from UP) relied that reservation would have be for all Jats no matter what state they came from- the divide and rule policy would not be tolerated.
Asked for a time line, The Minster dilly dallied.
A time line was given to the Central Govt through this minister, - 30 days to issue the order, or the agitation would resume.
The rally was very successful not just because of numbers , but because in that for the 1st time, since the times of Sir Chotu Ram , The great Jat leader of the 1930’s, and 1940s, Sikh Jats and Muslim Jats were also present, and all Jats were united at this gathering.
Sikh Jat and Muslim Jat leaders also addressed the meeting, and were in the vanguard of the procession.
It should also be kept in mind that Jats, Sikh, and Hindu. Muslims are over 60 million strong in north India. When we take our brethren into account- Gujars, Ahirs etc the figure is over 100 million.
That is a powerful force, and united it can accomplish much – the goal being to uplift the communities.
WHY MEDIA DID NOT GIVE IT MUCH COVERAGE-
Media likes blood, fire, violence.
The procession and gathering was well organized, and was not violent.
There was nothing exciting for them to cover or report.
The media was also advised by administration to keep away and not report on the large gathering. This would give the Delhi and Indian public of how serious the matter was.
ANALYSIS
The lack of violence, and the excellent discipline shown by the Jats was very commendable.
This will go along way to win over the Indian public, and ultimately the administration, and the politicians.
The goal had been achieved - to deliver the message to the highest levels in Indian politics, and get their focus and attention.
Sonia Gandhi had a meting with Mr. Hooda, CM of Haryana on this issue.
The message has also been conveyed to the lower functionaries, ministers etc, that something must be done, and done now.
FUTURE:
Following the meeting of the government and Mr. Yashpal Malik and other leaders, the government had 30 days from Feb 8, 2010...
If the demands are not met, the agitation will continue.
It should be kept in mind that the goal is to uplift the community and address past wrongs done to the community by the central and state governments, which has caused the standard of living to decline, by in effect stealing the resources that belonged to the community – land grabbing , lack of fair prices, lack of educational, health facilities etc.
Ravi Chaudhary
PS
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