New Delhi: The violent protest by the Jat community for reservation in government jobs in Haryana became a cause of concern for industry at the two-day ‘Happening Haryana Global Investors Summit 2016’ that began on Monday in Gurgaon with an aim to attract more investment to the state.

“...before anything else, investors always look for security and a stable law and order situation, and I must admit that the recent events in the state have cast a shadow on that front. The state must ensure civil liberties aren’t encroached upon and the social fabric is held intact. And if the chief minister’s persistence is anything to go by, I am sure this will be done expeditiously," Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mumbai-based Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd, said in a video message on Monday.

Mahindra said the ability to innovate and combine the traditional with the modern is Haryana’s hallmark. “It is this enterprising nature of the state and its population that has been the secret behind its success and prosperity," he added.

Kenichi Ayukawa, managing director and chief executive of India’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, said like other companies in the belt, his firm is “also disturbed and I think Haryana will overcome this soon and we will be able to continue our march towards becoming an ideal manufacturing destination of the country".

In February, the reservation agitation disrupted component supplies, leading to temporary suspension in production by Maruti, which suffered a production loss of over 10,000 units.

Thirty people were killed in the agitation and property worth crores of rupees was destroyed.

Japanese ambassador to India Kenji Hiramatsu said that Japanese firms operating in Haryana have submitted a list of suggestions to the state government to improve the business environment and to ensure that the state remains a preferred destination for investment.

“I sincerely hope that the government of Haryana will provide prompt and effective solution to those requests," Hiramatsu said, without divulging details.

Over 300 Japanese companies operate in Haryana.

“The Japanese government and the investors attach great importance to Haryana as far as manufacturing is concerned. We want to further enhance this really strong relationship," he added.

Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar promised to go the “extra mile" to support industry, enhance ease of doing business and provide supporting infrastructure.

Khattar claimed that investment commitments to the tune of ₹ 3 trillion came in on the very first day of the event and his government has lined up major economic policy reforms in the coming days.

“If you choose this ancient land for your future business karma, I promise that you will never find my government hesitating, or, wanting, in going the extra mile to support your venture," Khattar told investors in his speech.

PTI contributed to this story.

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