Violence erupts during protests for caste benefits in India

NEW DELHI (AP) — Hundreds of army and paramilitary soldiers on Saturday tried 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 as police were ordered to fire without warning.

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

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, said police officer Y.P. Singhal said.

Protesters also blocked a highway linking New Delhi to key northern cities, he said, adding that authorities ordered police to fire without warning at those instigating violence.

Authorities used helicopters to bring in army soldiers to the worst hit districts of Rohtak, Bhiwani and Jhajjar, where curfew was in place, Singhal said.

The protesters were driven by members of the Jat agricultural community who are demanding benefits both at federal and state levels, which include guaranteed government jobs or university spots. Talks Friday between community leaders and state government representatives failed to reach on an agreement on percentage of job benefits.

India's Constitution includes a system of affirmative action for people in the lowest castes to help them overcome discrimination. The government has expanded the number of groups, including Jat, qualifying for quotas.