Gujjars to hold mahapanchayat today, threaten protests in Delhi

NEW DELHI - As the stand-off between Gujjars and the Rajasthan government enters its tenth day today, the All India Yuva Gujjar Mahasabha will hold ‘mahapanchayat’, where further course of action will be decided.

As per reports, following the meeting, members of the community will lead protest marches in various parts of the National Capital Region (NCR).

The top leaders of the community have threatened that they will block road and rail network and force a total shut down in the NCR.

According to sources, the members of the community will block the National Highway No-8 to press the government to take into account.

Today’s congregation of the Gujjar community comes nearly a week after the Rajasthan High Court rejected a petition seeking special reservation for the members of the Gujjar community in government jobs and academic institutions.

Meanwhile, making a fresh appeal to Gujjars to call off their agitation, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has said the community should understand the government’s limitations over the reservation issue as the matter is sub-judice.

“What is in our hands will be done for sure, but since the matter is sub-judice, there are some limitations too and they (Gujjars) must understand it,” Gehlot told reporters.

The agitation, which began in 2007, has claimed over 70 lives so far.

A year ago, Gujjars in Rajasthan fought police and members of another caste that already qualified for job reservations.

After the protests, the State government said it would spend Rs 2.8 billion on improving schools, clinics, roads and other infrastructure in Gujjar areas. But Gujjars rejected this option. (ANI)