Jat agitation hits trains in Uttar Pradesh

Members of Jat Sangharsh Samiti squat on a train track to block Delhi-Lucknow rail route near Amroha in support of their demand for OBC reservation. The ongoing agitation by Jats in Uttar Pradesh over reservation in central jobs under the OBC category has forced a severe disruption in railway services between Delhi and Lucknow. At least 12 trains were cancelled and the routes of 30 trains between Lucknow and New Delhi diverted as the agitation intensified on Sunday. Trains on the Mathura-Mumbai route were disrupted as protesters took to the tracks, demanding 27 per cent quota in central jobs under the OBC category.
Railway official A.K. Singhal said the Kashi Vishwanath Express and Lucknow Mail were among the trains cancelled. "We have opened special counters at various railway stations for those who want to suspend their journey. The protesters have tied their domestic animals to the tracks and are on a dharna," he said. The protesters also conducted a public meeting near Bharatpur and subsequently decided to enforce road blockades. They have threatened to intensify the agitation if their demands are not met. Yashpal Mallik, a leader of Jat Arakshan Samiti, said: "Our protest will continue till the government agrees to our demands. There are many states where Jats are treated as OBCs. The Centre too should accept us as OBCs and extend reservation accordingly."