In a video message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for peace and calm in Gujarat, a day after sporadic violence was reported across several parts of the state. Curfew had to be imposed in districts like Surat and Mehsana after Hardik Patel, the 21-year-old leader of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) was briefly detained by police on Tuesday night. "Violence will not benefit anyone. The only way forward is to have a peaceful dialogue," the Prime Minister spoke in a solemn tone. He also added that the government would initiate efforts to find a solution to the crisis currently raging in his home state of Gujarat. Hardik and his legion of supporters have been demanding reservations in jobs and education for the Patidaar community. Hardik had also addressed a major rally in Ahmedabad where he warned the BJP of consequences in the 2017 polls if reservation was not announced for the Patidaar community. On Tuesday night, several public vehicles and police vans were vandalized by rampaging mobs. Attacks were also reported on the residences of several BJP leaders and the party offices. Blaming the police for the lathi-charge, Hardik appealed for peace on local television channels. Chief Minister Anandiben Patel also asked people to refrain from spreading rumours.
