Haryana Unrest: Stranded passengers get visa extension

LAHORE: Pakistani and Indian authorities have extended visas of the passengers stranded on both sides of the border due to suspension of the Lahore-Delhi bus service and Samjhauta Express blamed on violent protests in Haryana.

The Indian High Commission says the visas have been extended until the bus and train services are restored. The Interior Ministry, too, has extended visas of those stranded on the Pakistani side of the border.



Protests in the Indian state have been staged by members of the Jat caste demanding quotas in jobs and education. Members of the caste say they are struggling to find employment and education opportunities despite India’s strong economic growth.

Thousands of troops with shoot-on-sight orders were deployed on Saturday in the state of Haryana after week-long protests turned violent. Police have confirmed at least 12 fatalities thus far.



Some of the protesters have attacked a railway station and some car show rooms, blocked highways and set some buildings on fire. A canal that supplies water to New Dehli has been breached.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 23^rd, 2016.