Series of violence cripple Jaipur
Jaipur, May 30: The week-long caste violence in Rajasthan has crippled life and businesses in Jaipur that had been trying to limp back to normalcy after a series of bomb blasts.
Tourism is a major source of income for the state and it has taken the rest of the businesses under its umbrella cover. The city was trying to come to grips with the situation in the aftermath of recent serial blasts, but the Gujjars protest has adversely affected the arrival of tourists in the State. "All that has taken place in the recent few weeks, has affected the state a lot. Rajasthan has always had an image of being a peaceful place, but these blasts and then the protests have adversely affected us," said Govind Sharma, a tour guide.
The city's street hawkers with ethnic jewellery, famous among the international tourists say that the tourists stay away from the streets now.
Shops that used to be flooded with tourists wear a deserted look and shopkeepers complained of lack of business.
"These incidents have converted our peak season into off season. The blasts took place nearby only and after that the Gujjar protests are scaring away people," said Abdul, a shopkeeper.
After the seven bombs that ripped through the crowded streets of Jaipur on May 13, killing around 60 people, the police is no longer prepared to take any chances and has resorted to thorough checking and frequent frisking irritating the tourists.
And now, thousands of protesters have blocked major roads leading to Jaipur from the adjoining areas and as tension prevails all around, tourists prefer to stay away.
ANI