Consensus for peaceful solution of Gujjar agitation emerging

Jaipur, June 2: A consensus for a peaceful solution to the Gujjar agitation for inclusion of the community into ST list was apparently emerging after talks between Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and community leaders opened here this afternoon.

Peace parleys gained momentum today as the violence in the state subsided after four days of bloodshed that left 24 people dead.

Emboldened by the situation limping back to normalcy, the Railways resumed some long-distance trains, much to the relief of stranded travellers and road links between Delhi and Jaipur, snapped in the wake of the agitation, also re-commenced.

Surveillance by army and para military forces was intensified in the wake of sporadic clashes between the Gujjar and Meena communities yesterday in which four people were killed.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has appealed to the people of Rajasthan and its neighbouring states to desist from violence and help maintain peace and calm.

''My heart grieves for all those who have lost their family members and those who have suffered injuries. I appeal to all the people of Rajasthan and also those in neighbouring States to maintain peace and calm. I appeal to all sections of society to desist from actions which may lead to further violence and distress and which will disrupt the lives of ordinary citizens,'' Dr Singh said.

The Rajasthan Government has enforced National Security Act in 10-Gujjar agitation hit districts of the state.

Home Secretary V S Singh told reporters here that NSA had been enforced in Jaipur, Karauli, Bharatpur, Sawai Madhopur, Bundi, Dausa, Alwar, Kota, Jhalawar, and Dholpur districts for effective curbing of activities of miscreants who were found indulging in damaging national properties or disrupting peace. This would empower the respective district collector to book, if required, rioters under NSA.

Incidents of arson and violence were reported from some places in Jaipur, Tonk, Dausa and Chittorgarh districts.

Ms Raje joined in the dialogue during the fifth round of talks between the group of ministers and 11-member delegation of agitating Gujjar community.

UNI