Violence erupts during protests for caste benefits in India

Published February 21, 2016

Hundreds of army and paramilitary soldiers are trying to quell protests by angry mobs demanding government benefits in a northern Indian state. Dozens of vehicles, shopping malls, rail stations have been burned and lawmakers' homes attacked.

Police say at least one person was killed when officers opened fire, and clashes between security forces and protesters have left 78 people injured since Friday.

Police officer Y.P. Singhal said the violence raged for a second day Saturday with protesters burning a railroad station and attacking shops and vehicles in several towns in Haryana state. A highway linking New Delhi to key northern cities is blocked.

The protesters belonging to the Jat agricultural community are demanding benefits both at federal and state levels, which include guaranteed government jobs or university spots.

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