Gujjar Protest Comes to an End
Published: 29th May 2015 06:00 AM | Last Updated: 29th May 2015 11:10 AM | A+A A-
NEW DELHI:Protesters from Gujjar community demanding reservation in government jobs in Rajasthan called off the agitation after the state government during fresh talks late on Thursday evening assured the community representatives that a Bill to provide them 5 per cent quota in government jobs would be brought in.
The fifth round of talks were held amid growing unrest in the state due to disruption of road and rail traffic. The Centre had already committed 4,500 Paramilitary personnel to assist the state police to handle the stir.
Watch Video: Gujjar Protest Over 5% Job Quota Ends in Rajasthan
State minister Rajendra Rathore said Gujjar delegation and Rajasthan government have agreed upon on eight points. He said a draft has been formulated regarding 5 per cent reservation for other backward classes and approved by Rajasthan Cabinet and it will be introduced in the upcoming Rajasthan Assembly session as Ordinance and will be passed.“The Ordinance passed in Rajasthan Assembly will then be officially sent to the Central government and will be included in 9th Schedule,” the Minister added.
Gujjar leaderCol Kirori Bainsla, who was leading the agitation, said that for the first time the community is confident of getting reservation. “I’m very happy, our struggle has reached a point where we’ve gained confidence that justice will be done to us,” he said.
Earlier on Thursday, the Rajasthan government had come under heavy criticism from Rajasthan High Court for failing to arrest any Gujjar agitator and allowing the people to suffer due to the undemocratic agitation. The court had asked the Chief Secretary and DGP of the state to take swift action and remove all road and rail blockades. It has also sought an affidavit from the state by Friday clarifying as to why no FIR was registered against the agitators.
“We cannot allow people to suffer due to these undemocratic agitations. It seems that the both of you have gone senseless towards the plight of the public. We are making it clear in unambiguous terms to you that this court is keen to see that the blockades are removed immediately,” Justice R S Rathore said.