While the committee members listened to the demands and "grievances" put forth by the Jats, All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) president Yashpal Malik, who is spearheading the pro-reservation stir in the state, said the stir would continue till their demands are met.
The committee headed by Chief Secretary met a delegation of Jats in Panipat today led by Malik.
"The Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, ADGP Law and Order met us. We had discussion on our demands and gave them the list of our demands. We also brought to their notice the grievances which our community members are facing at various dharna sites across the state," Malik said over phone.
Malik said that February 19 would be observed as 'Balidan Divas' in memory of those who lost their lives during last year's agitation.
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Today was the first meeting between the representatives of AIJASS and the state government ever since the protest was launched in the state about two weeks back.
Besides seeking quota in education and government jobs, the demands of the Jats include the release of those jailed during last year's agitation, withdrawal of cases slapped during the protest and government jobs for the kin of those killed and injured while taking part in the stir.
The BJP government in the state this week formed a five-member committee, headed by Chief Secretary D S Dhesi, to hold talks with Jats to consider the demands and resolve the problems of those agitating for reservation among other issues in the state.
Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had recently indicated that the issues could be resolved through dialogue for which the government's doors are always open.
Even as the ongoing pro-quota Jat stir entered the 14th day today, the situation remained peaceful in the state, officials said.
During the fresh round of the agitation, the protesters have been staging dharnas at various places in the state amid elaborate security arrangements.
Khattar had earlier said the government had accepted the
demand of Jats of giving jobs to the next of kin of those who had lost their lives during the agitation last year.
In view of the fresh Jat stir, paramilitary forces have been deployed in sensitive areas while the state police is maintaining a strict vigil.
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Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said the talks held between the committee constituted by the state government and representatives of the Jat community were "not fruitless" and would continue.
Replying to questions of mediapersons at Rai in Sonepat district, he said all points raised by the Jat representatives at the meeting have been heard. The talks would continue in the second round and all points would be discussed.
Khap leaders taking part in the sit-in demanded martyr's status for the deceased, Rs 10 lakh ex gratia and government job for a member of his family.