Gujjars ready to hold talks over ST status in Bayana

{image-gujjar agitation123456_07062008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Jaipur, Jun 6: A Gujjar panchayat (meet) held this evening at Pillukapura-Karwadi expressed readiness to hold talks over the ST status demand with the state government in Bayana town even as the security forces succeeded in clearing the blocked on the Jaipur-Delhi rail route near Arnia railway station in Dausa district.

The meeting was convened by Gujjar Reservation Action Committee Convener Col (retd) Kirodi Singh Bainsla to consult Gujjar community leaders on the course of action on the Rajasthan Government's invitation for holding talks to resolve the issue amicably. The government had yesterday sent a fresh invitation to Col Bainsla inviting him to come Jaipur for talks.The leaders at the meeting favoured constitution of a committee to hold talks with the state government. The meet also appealed to the community leaders who have been holding dharna at Sikandara alongwith corpses of 20 victims of firing there on May 24, to perform cremation of the deceased at the earliest.

Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Government was still awaiting a written reply from Col. Bainsla with regard to the invitation for talks sent to him yesterday, ruling BJP state president Omprakash Mathur said. The Government and the ruling party would comment over Gujjar leaders decision only after receipt of official information.

In another significant development, the security forces have succeeded in dispersing the agitating Gujjars who were holding dharnas on Jaipur-Delhi and Jaipur-Agra rail routes near Arnia railway station in Dausa district since June 1, District Collector Rajesh Yadav said. He said the tracks were cleared without using force. About 60 protestors have been taken into custody, Mr Yadav added.

UNI