Gujjars' agitation affects tourism

By Jethmal Sharma

Bikaner, May 30 : The Gujjar agitation to seek Scheduled Tribe status has affected tourism in Rajasthan.

People associated with the tourism business are apprehending that if the situation continues like this, it may badly hit the travel and tourism industry.

"All the tourists have got stuck in Bikaner. We don't know, what will happen tomorrow, so the situation is very problematic. It'll have a very bad impression on tourism," said Bhairo Singh Shekhawat, a tourist guide.

This has affected tourism not only in Rajasthan but all across the country. It is better to solve this problem as soon as possible," said Dheeraj Kumar, another tourist guide.

Tourists, eager to go to Agra and Jaipur from Bikaner, are unable to find any mode of transport.

"We're in Bikaner. We've to go to Agra and if this situation goes for a long period, we'll be in trouble. All the tourists will be in trouble," said Michael Zavare, a tourist from France.

Residents opine if the protests continue, the hotels, which were full with the tourists, will be left vacant for many more months since none will come here.

This will upset the hotel industry to a great extent in Rajasthan as well as all over India.

Members of the Gujjar community who are demanding Scheduled tribe status, took out a candle light protest at Jodhpur in Rajasthan on Tuesday (May 27).

Though different parts in north India witnessed violent protests by members of the Gujjar community, several women and children took out a candle light protest at a local temple here.

ANI