Gujjar agitators demanding reservation block railways tracks, Rajasthan govt forms panel

The Rajasthan governmnet on Friday formed a committee to discuss Gujjar reservation issue after agitators marched towards railway tracks and stopped Bandra-Gorakhpur Awadh Express at Sawai Madhopur railway station, while Chandigarh Express was forced to stop at Bayana Railway Station. Comprehensive security plan has been put in place by Railway Protection Force (RPF). Besides, additional companies of RPF and RPSF (special forces) have been deployed in Jaipur and Ajmer division. 

Rajasthan: Members of Gujjar community hold reservation movement in Sawai Madhopur. Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla says, “We want 5% reservation. Govt hasn't responded to my request. So, I am going to do an agitation. Govt should give, I don’t know from where do they give? pic.twitter.com/FowC95S02E

— ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2019

Staging a protest in Sawai Madhopur, Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla said: "We want 5% reservation. The government hasn't responded to my request. So, I am going to do an agitation. The government should give, I don’t know from where do they give. Bainsla last month gave a 20-day "ultimatum" to the state government to clear its stand on reservation to the communities in government jobs and educational institutes, failing which he threatened of reviving the quota agitation.

As the deadline lapsed on Friday, Bainsla after holding a 'Maha Panchayat' at Malarna Dungar in Sawai Madhopur district, started the sit-in along with his supporters, blocking trains.

"Things are changing fast. I have not come here but the crowd has brought me on the railway tracks. People cannot be fooled all the time. It is a fight to do or die. State government should stand on its promise. It will be a peaceful protest. I will lead the protest and the youths will support," Bainsla told reporters.

As the protest started, high-level meetings were held in the state capital to find out ways to pacify the agitators. The protestors are demanding five per cent separate reservation to Gujjars, Raika-Rebari, Gadia Luhar, Banjara and Gadaria for government jobs and admission in educational institutions. Currently, these communities are getting one per cent separate reservation under the legal limit of 50 per cent under the most-backward category in addition to OBC reservation. 

(With agency inputs)