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Delhi stares at severe water crisis after rioting in bordering state
February 21, 2016, 6:20 am

Photo taken on Feb. 20, 2016 shows vehicles being set on fire during a protest in Haryana, India [Xinhua]

Photo taken on Feb. 20, 2016 shows vehicles being set on fire during a protest in Haryana, India [Xinhua]

Indian capital Delhi is facing an acute water crisis even as Indian security forces are engaged in an ongoing standoff with demonstrators in the northern state of Haryana that are rallying against the caste quota system. The state borders Delhi and the protests have affected the water supply of the Indian capital.

Officials said seven water treatment plants were forced shut after angry mobs broke the control apparatus of the Munak canal in Haryana, affecting several pockets in west, northwest and south Delhi.

The Delhi government ordered all schools shut on Monday and rationing of dwindling water supplies to stave off a crippling crisis.

Several ministers in the state government of Delhi appealed to residents to use water judiciously.

Meanwhile, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd India’s biggest carmaker by sales, said it had suspended operations at its northern auto plants after protests disrupted the supply of some components.

The company said it had stopped manufacturing at the Manesar and Gurgaon plants on Saturday. The factories produce a combined 5000 vehicles daily.

Hundreds of Indian security forces imposed a curfew and were ordered to fire without warning in a bid to quell protests by members of the community demanding government benefits in a northern state, where at least seven people have died in clashes, officials said.

The violence raged for a third straight day Sunday.

Jat (a rural caste) protesters burned several railroad stations and attacked homes of ministers, shops and vehicles in several towns in Haryana state, Indian media reports said.

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.

Jats rank fairly highly in India’s social hierarchy, but fast population growth and a lack of jobs is fueling discontent among them.

 

Source: Agencies