Talks between Raje and Gujjar leader begin

Jaipur, June 4 (UNI) Talks between Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Gujjar Reservation Action Committee convenor Col Kirodi Singh Bainsla began here today over Gujjars' demand for their inclusion in the ST list.

An official spokesman said the Gujjar leader arrived here to meet the Chief Minister on her invitation.

The efforts for an amicable settlement of the Gujjar agitation, which has so far claimed 25 lives in violence since Tuesday last, got a momentum on Saturday after Ms Raje joined the talks being held between the group of ministers and the agitating Gujjar leaders.

After a nine-hour long round of talks, Ms Raje on Saturday night had extended invitation to Col Bainsla for joining the talks for finalising a compromise formula.

The talks between the Chief Minister and the Gujjar leader were to be held yesterday but uncertainty prevailed throughout the day as Col Bainsla did not turn up.

While media reports suggested that Col Bainsla was double minded over the move, the spokesman maintained that he did not come as he was to participate in the funerals of Gujjar victims in Patoli.

Hectic activities continued in the day yesterday with a group of Gujjar leaders, including six BJP legislators from the Gujjar community, leaving for New Delhi to seek BJP President Rajnath Singh's intervention over the issue.

The situation in the state was peaceful but tension prevailed as Gujjars were yet to clear their blockade at the Agra-Jaipur Highway between Dausa and Mahuwa.

UNI