Shots Fired, Vehicles Burnt In Rajasthan: Despite Bainsla’s ‘Peaceful’ Protest Promise, Gujjar Agitation Turns Violent
The agitation by members of Gujjar community in Dholpur district of Rajasthan for five per cent quota in educational institutions and government jobs turned violent on Sunday (10 February), reports Times of India.
During the blockade on Agra-Morena highway, unidentified miscreants fired eight to ten rounds in the air, informed Dholpur superintendent of police (SP) Ajay Singh, adding that they also set on fire three police vehicles, including two jeeps and a bus. The agitators also engaged in stone-pelting, injuring four jawans.
The SP said that police used tear-gas shells to disperse the crowd and traffic on the highway resumed later.
At least 20 trains of Northern Railways have been cancelled and seven others diverted on Sunday due to ongoing protests in Sawai Madhopur district.
12953 Mumbai Central-Hazrat Nizamuddin August Kranti Rajdhani Express, 19022 Lucknow Jn-Bandra Terminus Express, 2059/12060 Kota-Hazrat Nizamuddin-Kota Jan Shatabdi Express, 12909 Bandra Terminus-Hazrat Nizamuddin Garib Rath Express were among the cancelled, according to the Northern Railways
Led by Kirori Singh Bainsla, Gujjars have been on a sit-in protest since Friday (8 February) on railway tracks in Malarna Dungar of Sawai Madhopur district. The protests spread as the leader had refused to call off the stir, saying, “This is going to be a fight to the finish, though it will be completely peaceful.”
On Saturday, a delegation of government met the protesters but failed to reach any consensus. Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot had earlier said that the state government had already done for Gujjars whatever was in its power. “Any decision for creating the Special Backward Class category for Gujjars and four other communities is now in the Centre’s jurisdiction,” he added.
Bainsla said that the agitation for reservation for Gujjar, Gadaria, Gadia Luhar, Banjara, Raika Rebari communities as per the promises of state government will continue.