NEW DELHI — Authorities in India’s capital have closed schools and taken other measures to combat water supply problems caused by violent protests in a neighboring state that killed at least 12 people.

Thousands of people who are protesting to demand government benefits have damaged equipment that brings water from the Munak canal in Haryana state to New Delhi, a city of more than 16 million people that gets 60 percent of its water from Haryana.

Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi’s chief minister, said schools in the capital would be closed Monday. He also ordered the rationing of water to homes.

At least 12 people have been killed by security forces since the weeklong protests turned violent on Friday, state Home Secretary P. K. Das said Sunday. Another 150 have been injured.

However, a breakthrough appeared to be in sight as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government set up a committee to examine protesters’ demands.

The Press Trust of India news agency said the protesters started lifting highway blockades in some areas after the announcement.

Sporadic violence was reported in Haryana Sunday, with protesters setting fire to a bank ATM, a car showroom, a gas station, and a railroad station.

The state government said paramilitary forces and irrigation engineers were trying to restore the water flow.

The protesters, members of the lower-caste Jat agricultural community, are demanding guaranteed government jobs or university spots. Talks Friday failed to lead to an agreement.

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 the Jat, qualifying for quotas.