Bandhs, road blockades continue in Rajasthan

Jaipur, June 4 (UNI) Kota, Baran and some other places in the state observed shutdowns today in support of Gujjar agitators demanding ST status, while road blockades were put up at various parts of the state.

According police sources, Kota, Baran and Barr in Pali district observed bandhs today. Bhiwadi in Alwar district observed a partial shutdown.

Mawli town in Udaipur district also called a bandh today.

Protestors indulged in chakka jam and took out rallies at many places.

According to reports from Kota, correspondent, except some shops which remained open in city's inner alleys, the town observed a total bandh. However,there are no reports of any untoward incident from any part of the city.

The Army and police patrol continued in the city. Gujjars put off a rally in the city when police refused them permission. Baran also remained peaceful during the bandh. The Army had staged a flag march there last evening.

In Jodhpur, the Jodhpur Gujjar Mahapanchayat took out a rally today from Devnarayan temple till the Collectorate and handed over a memorandum to officials there.

Meanwhile, the dharna at Patoli-Peepalkheda-the agitation's epicentre -- on the Jaipur-Dausa-Mahuwa national highway continued, blocking traffic.

Reports from Alwar say 11 Rajasthan Roadways buses departed for Jaipur today at 1000 hrs under heavy police escort. Buses were being run till Behrod, depending upon the number of passengers available.

UNI