Gujjar protests: Govt asks UP, Delhi to be alert

The Govt also rushed seven companies of RAF and CRPF to riot-hit Bharatpur district of Rajasthan to prevent escalation of violence.

The Government also rushed seven companies of Rapid Action Force and CRPF (nearly 700 personnel) to riot-hit Bharatpur district of Rajasthan to prevent escalation of violence.

Issuing an advisory to Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan governments, the Union Home Ministry asked them to remain alert in the wake of Gujjar violence.

Five persons, including a policeman, were killed in police firing and violence in Bharatpur on Friday during protests by Gujjars demanding scheduled tribe status.

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Senior officials of the Ministry were in touch with the state authorities and a report has been sought about the incident.

Friday’s trouble comes a week ahead of the first anniversary of the police firing on Gujjar agitators in the state and subsequent violence that claimed 26 lives.

Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta and Special Secretary (Internal Security) M L Kumawat were in constant touch with senior officers of Rajasthan Government, a Home Ministry spokesman said.

He said the advisories were aimed at preventing violence in Gujjar pockets in neighbouring states.

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The Rajasthan Gurjar Arakashan Sangarsh Samiti revived its agitation after rejecting state government’s special relief package of Rs 282 crore for Gujjar-dominated districts as per the suggestions of the Ramdas Agarwal Committee.

The panel was constituted after the recommendations of the Justice Chopra Committee rejecting the ST status for Gujjars but favouring provision of special relief for their uplift in 2007.

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

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