Gujjars agitation continues for the sixth day, rail disturbed

Gujjar protesters continued their agitation for the sixth day today by blocking the rail routes in Rajasthan demanding 5 percent reservation in government jobs. As per report of the sources, they blocked Ajmer-Indore rail track in Bhilwara district today disrupting movement of at least 8 trains on the route.

Sources have also reported that Gujjars have occupied three different rail tracks, severely affecting traffic on the Delhi-Jaipur, Delhi-Mumbai and Ajmer-Chittorgarh routes. Nearly 60 trains have been diverted or cancelled and over 8000 train tickets have been cancelled. The Railways have had to refund nearly 25 lakh rupees in the past three days.

To sort this problem, the Gehlot government has invited Gujjars for talks but they have refused to talk on any quota demand. Chief Minister has formed three member ministerial panel including state Home minister Shanti Dhariwal, Transport Minister BK Sharma and Energy Minister Jitendra Singh to hold talk with protesters.

Mr Gehlot also sought the community’s cooperation for collecting caste data reflecting the status of socio-economical and political backwardness of Gujjars and other most backward castes for presenting a legally viable case before the court.

However, Gujjar leader Roop Singh indicated that a decision over the offer of talks would be taken only after seeking legal analysis and assessment of the Rajasthan High Court’s verdict delivered two days ago in the matter of reservation.

Roop Singh further told that Gujjars are holding meetings at Patoli in Dausa and in Sawaimadhopur, near Kotputli in Jaipur and at Dholpur to discuss further course of action. The decision at the meeting may lead to blocking of Jaipur-Delhi and Jaipur-Bharatpur-Agra national highways.

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