Jat community members block the railway tracks during their agitation for reservation in Haryana's Sonipat on Friday. (Press Trust of India photo)
BJP today said the Jat agitation for reservation has become leaderless and was being fuelled by "anarchists" and warned that those indulging in violence will be dealt with sternly.
The party's tough stand came in the wake of the death of a person in police firing after the protest turned violent.
BJP general secretary and Haryana in-charge Anil Jain, who is playing a key role in coordinating the response of the central and state governments as well as the party, said the agitation has turned violent and "military" could also be sent if needed.
"They (protesters) know the reality. The state government is doing everything within its powers. We had been dealing with them patiently. It is not possible that they keep attacking and we coddle them," he told reporters.
10 companies of para-military forces have been dispatched to the violence-hit area, he said, adding that police fired after the attack on an Inspector General and the residence of Haryana Finance Minister Abhimanyu and police vehicles were torched.
Mr Jain said the state government had called an all-party meeting today and been engaging with the Jat leaders.
Some leaders accepted the government's steps and withdrew their protest, he said and alleged that a section of people, "who are anti-social and anarchists" is fuelling the protest and causing it to turn violent.
"The death is painful but we cannot allow the situation to worsen. We cannot allow the law and order to deteriorate," he said, noting that places like Rohtak were under a virtual siege by protesters.
He underlined BJP's support for quota for Jats but noted that the issue had become "complex" after the Supreme Court struck down the decision of the previous government in this regard and then quashed a review petition as well.
"The central government is speaking to different groups of Jats. It is working to find a solution that addresses their demand and also meet the constitutional requirements," Mr Jain said.