Efforts for talks on Gujjar stir suffer jolt over venue dispute

Jaipur, June 7 (UNI) The ongoing efforts for opening talks between the Rajasthan Government and the Gujjar leaders over the demand for ST status suffered a jolt today as both sides rejected each other's suggestions over the venue for the dialogue.

The Rajasthan Government rejected the Gujjar Action Committee's suggestion to hold talks with community leaders in Bayana town and insisted on Jaipur as the venue for the dialogue.

In response to the state government's stand the Gujjar Action Committee also refused to come to Jaipur to hold talks with the government and reiterated its position that the agitation would continue till the state Cabinet's formal recommendation to the Centre, recommending ST status for the community.

Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje held a series of meetings with cabinet colleagues, ruling BJP leaders and senior officials to constantly the developments.

The leaders were of the view that holding talks in Bayana near the 'dharna' site was meaningless.

The state government had received an acceptance letter from the Gujjar Reservation Action Committee for holding talks in Bayana.

A three-line letter of acceptance was sent by committee convener Col (retd) Kirodi Singh Bainsla through a TV news channel representative.

Meanwhile, the Jaipur-Delhi rail route, which was blocked by the Gujjars since June 1, was today re-opened for traffic.

The blockade near the Arnia railway station was also cleared by the security personnel last night.

The much awaited mass cremation of 20 victims of the May 24 police firing in Sikandara took place near Sikandara town in Dausa district this evening.

Congress MPs Sachin Pilot and Avtar Singh Bhadana and several Gujjar leaders were present.

UNI SS RR PM1925