‘It is clear the attack on my house, violence were political conspiracy’

Haryana finance minister Capt Abhimanyu, whose house in Rohtak was set on fire when Jat quota reservation stir turned violent in February 2016, has claimed that all those involved in the vandalism had nothing to do with the movement started by the community. They only wanted to burn Haryana to destabilize the state government, he said. The minister was also of the view that those behind the violence violated the sanctity of this 20-year-long movement for reservation for the Jat community in education and jobs.

How do you see the CBI findings regarding the attack on your house?

It is now clear that the February 2016 attack on my residence and violence was a political conspiracy and all those involved had no connection with the Jat reservation movement. It is also clear that all this was done by the Congress leaders to destabilize our government. A detailed examination of the chargesheet would reveal that many of those indicted in the probe had connection with former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

What do you think of Jat leader Yashpal Malik’s role in the reservation movement?

Malik is the real culprit of Jat community, and responsible for the killing of innocent people during the February 2016 quota violence. He has nothing to do with the reservation. When Hooda was the Haryana CM, he kept his agitation out of Rohtak, Jhajjar, Sonipat — which were Hooda’s strongholds. After BJP formed the government in the state, he shifted his base to Rohtak and fuelled the violence, dealing a huge blow to the reputation of Jat community. He misguided the youth and made them indulge in illegal activities.

What is your view on reservation to Jats?

The demand for reservation by the Jat community is valid. Even the state government is in favour of providing reservation within the constitutional framework.

You have been accused of pressurizing CBI and government for implicating Jat youths in criminal cases.

I have never interfered in such issues. In fact, CBI did not even contacted me in this regard. It is now clear from the CBI probe that it was a political conspiracy and those involved in incidents of violence in February 2016 had no link with the Jat reservation movement. They have given a bad name to the entire Jat community and a strict punishment to those responsible for this would ensure that such incidents are not repeated. I still have the full support of those really fighting for Jat reservation and the khap leaders of Haryana.

Will you accept the demand of withdrawing violence-related cases?

I believe that the rule of law has to prevail. There can be no justification for violence. Those who set afire a house knowing that there were women and children inside have to be punished. Let the law take its course. My family members were lucky to escape. I am pained for those 32 people who were killed in violence instigated by conspirators for their own selfish motive.

CBI report says cops disappeared hours before your house was targeted?

As of now, there is no clarification on that. I think the premier agency should also probe this aspect. CBI probe in still pending and the agency is yet to submit final report.

How do you see Manohar Lal Khattar meeting Malik and promising withdrawal of cases?

These are administrative decisions taken by the chief minister As far as withdrawal of cases is concerned, it can be done only within the legal framework and with the permission of courts.