Patel agitation: PM Narendra Modi appeals for peace in Gujarat

New Delhi, Aug 26: Appealing for peace in Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that violence does not benefit anybody.

"I appeal to Gujarat's brothers and sisters to stay calm, maintain peace. Nothing is attained through violence. I request everyone to please maintain peace, violence benefits no one," said PM Modi on Patel Agitation.

A state-wide shutdown was observed in Gujarat on Wednesday, a day after a Patidar mega-rally was held in Ahmedabad demanding reservations in education and jobs for the Patel community.

Hardik Patel, 22, convener of Patidaar Arakshan Andolan Samiti (PAAS) was detained and taken into custody by the police after he launched a sudden hunger strike at the GMDC Ground late Tuesday evening.

After being released, Patel appealed to his followers for peace and restraint. Earlier, he had served a 48-hour ultimate to the state government to concede the PAAS demands following which he said agitation would be intensified.

As news of the police action on Patel spread, angry Patidars reacted violently in different parts of the state, attacking public and private properties, buses, vehicles, even as Chief Minister Anandiben Patel appealed for peace.

OneIndia News

(With inputs from agencies)