Chouhan urges Gurujis to eschew violence

Bhopal, June 27 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today urged the Shiksha Guarantee Schools' Gurujis (contract teachers) to eschew violence and enter into a dialogue for their demands.

Mr Chouhan told reporters here today that breaking barricades and attacking police personnel was not appropriate.

''In democracy, problems are resolved through dialogue and not violence. This path should be followed by the Guruji Sangh also,'' said Mr Chouhan.

Replying to a question, Mr Chouhan said he was always ready for a dialogue with all sections of society but no one could succeed in getting their demands accepted through violence.

On Monday, a sit-in was staged by Gurujis (contract teachers), who blocked the local Roshanpura crossing in support of demands including regularisation, better payscale and designation.

Later, police lobbed tear gas shells and lathicharged to disperse stone-pelting demonstrators advancing towards the Chief Minister's Residence. More than 40 people, including 21 police personnel, were injured.

Madhya Pradesh Shiksha Guarantee Schools' Guruji Sangh President Sandhabh Singh Baghel said they had not received any message for dialogue from Mr Chouhan. However, some worker leaders had expressed interested in mediation.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the Guruji Sangh was held at Roshanpura Square in New Market area here today. Several Sangh leaders addressed the meeting.

The Guruji Sangh pledged to continue their agitation until their demands were fulfilled.

UNI