Death toll from India caste protests climbs to 19

Indian authorities say the death toll from violent protests in the northern state of Haryana over caste-based quotas in jobs and education has risen to at least 19.

“Nineteen people have died and more than 200 are injured,” Haryana additional chief secretary P. K. Das said on Friday.

He said calm had now been restored in most flashpoint areas. “There were a few clashes in parts of Bhiwani district overnight, where a curfew is still on, but the curfew has been lifted in other districts,” he said, adding, “Most of the road links have been restored in the state and we hope to be in control of the situation by the end of the day.”

Das further said that a canal supplying water to New Delhi that had been blocked by protesters has been cleared. The blockage had caused water rationing throughout the Indian capital and the closure of all schools to conserve supplies.