The Haryana government heightened the security in the state over the weekend after Jat protestors threatened to intensify their agitation for reservation by observing February 19 as “Balidan Divas” (day of sacrifice). The All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti chief Yashpal Malik said that around 25 lakh people will demonstrate at sit-ins across the state, reported The Times of India.

Balidan Divas is being observed in memory of those who lost their lives in the agitation last year. Fresh rounds of agitations demanding 10% reservation in educational institutions and government jobs under the Other Backward Classes category were launched earlier in January. The Jats are also demanding the release of those who were jailed and the withdrawal of cases registered against those who participated in last year’s agitation.

As many as 37 companies of the paramilitary forces have been deployed, Haryana’s additional director general of police, Muhammad Akil told PTI. He also denied rumours that suggested traffic advisory had been issued for the public and said strict action will be taken against those spreading misinformation.

Malik assured that the protests held on Sunday will be peaceful, but, if their demands were not met with, then they will boycott the Bharatiya Janata Party in the next municipal polls in Delhi and Haryana, The Times of India added.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also announced compensation for those who sustained injuries last year. For anyone who sustained a bullet injury, Rs 1 lakh will be paid as compensation, DNA reported. Those who suffered a fracture, though not because of bullet injury, will be paid Rs 50,000 and those who sustained other minor injuries will be paid Rs 25,000 as compensation.

Haryana faced violent protests from February 18 to 23, during which 30 people were killed and more than 300 were injured. Rohtak and its neighbouring districts of Sonipat and Jhajjar were the worst affected by the Jat quota stir. Delhi, too, had felt the effects of the agitation, after Jat members brought their protest to Munak Canal, the national Capital’s main source of water.