Uncertainty prevails as efforts for Gujjar-Govt talks intensity

Jaipur, June 10 (UNI) Uncertainty loomed today over further talks between Gujjar leaders agitating for ST status and Rajasthan Government even as the state government and neutral mediators intensified efforts for early amicable solution to the fortnight old pitched agitation.

Gujjar Reservation Action Committee Convener Col (retd) Kirodi Singh Bainsla and Delhi MLA Rambir Singh Bidhuri have stressed for the release of the Gujjar protesters and dropping of murder charges against 20 Gujjar activists while the state government has said that second round of talks would be held in Jaipur.

The state government wrote another letter to Gujjar leader Col Kirodi Singh Bainsla inviting Gujjar delegation to Jaipur for holding second round of talks.

Talking to reporters here, BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar and BJP treasurer and Rajya Sabha MP Ramdas Agrawal have claimed that next round of talks would be held in Jaipur.

However, they could not specify about date and time of the dialogue.

Although the government was still waiting for Col Bainsla's reply to the letter sent to him through Water Resources Department Secretary S N Thanvi this afternoon, unofficial reports said Col Bainsla has given positive indication for further talks.

Art of Living Mission founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also took initiative to play his role as mediator to persuade Col Bainsla and other Gujjar leaders for peaceful solution to their demand of ST status.

The spiritual leader had reached here this afternoon, held a meeting with Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and ruling BJP leadership and later went to Pillukapura to meet Gujjar leader Col Bainsla.

Gandhian leader Subba Rao also reached here and expressed his desire to meet Gujjar leaders . He also appealed to them to adopt path of peace and non-violence for achieving their demand.

In another significant development, the officials lodged a case of sedition at Bayana against 10 Gujjar leaders, including Col Bainsla last evening.

Earlier, the first round of talks in Bayana last night had yielded encouraging results with both sides expressing their willingness to continue talks today.

While the state government delegates had stressed for the state capital as the venue, the Gujjar leaders wanted to continue the dialogue in Bayana.

However, it was concluded that both the sides would convey to each other their views over venue after consulting the respective leaders Eds rest pick up suitably from earlier.

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