Raj: Meena-Gujjar Caste conflict looming large

Jaipur, June 1: Rajasthan is sitting precariously on a caste war looming large between the Gujjars and Meenas with the former demanding their entry into the ST list while the Meenas are coming out plegding to keep their turf intact by resisting any tampering with the ST quota.

The Meenas have also given an ultimatum to the government that if the government failed to remove the road block and control violence by the Gujjars it will hit the street to take on Gujjars.

Social and political organisations of the Meenas have expressed their strong resentment over the Gujjars forceful entry into their houses and targetting Meena government officials during the ongoing agitation.

Jangati Arashan Bachavo Samyukt Sangarsh Samiti in its meeting said in such a situation the Meenas have no option but come out for their self defence.

Samiti president Nandalal Meena MLA said ''the Meena community is keeing utmost restraint and it will resit any attempt to tamper with the ST quota'' There were reports that the Meenas in Karauli, Dausa, Sawai Madhopur, Banswara are mobiling their forces to counter the Gujjar movement.

Meanwhile the Gujjar leaders accused the government of turning the Meena community against them. Gujjar Mahasabha national vice president and former BJP MLA Gopi Chand Gujjar said ''with Gujjars agitation spreading to newer areas and the government miserably failing to control the agitation, some vested interests were trying to incite the Meenas against the Gujjars which is the last thing we need at the moment''.

UNI

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