Gujjars demand immediate resignation of Rajasthan CM

Gujjar community today demanded immediate resignation of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia, as they held her responsible for the death of 26 Gujjars, who were killed in a police firing during the violent protests between May 29 and June 4.

Puskhar (Rajasthan), June 24 : Gujjar community today demanded immediate resignation of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia, as they held her responsible for the death of 26 Gujjars, who were killed in a police firing during the violent protests between May 29 and June 4.

This was decided during a Mahapanchayat of the Gujjars which was held here today.

They also demanded registrations of cases against those involved in the police firing and a judicial probe into the incident.

Thousands of Gujjars from across the country are participating in the Mahapanchayat that began here today to decide future action plan on the community's demand for a Scheduled Tribe status.

Gujjars from Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan are attending the Mahapanchayat.

Top Gujjar leaders, including Gujjar Aarkshan Sangarsh Samiti leader Kirori Singh Bhainsala, are participating.

Tight security arrangements have been made at the Mahapanchayat's venue -- mela ground - here. The Ajmer District Administration has imposed prohibitory orders in the district apart from the mela ground.

The police have restricted the entry with arms at the mela ground, and Gujjar leaders have been instructed against making provocative speeches.

According to Rajasthan Yuva Gujjar Mahasabha President Govind Singh Gujjar, the Mahapanchayat will form a national executive, which will take up the community's demand for ST status with the Centre.

Nearly a week long violent agitation by the Gujjars in the beginning of this month claimed at least 29 lives in different parts of Rajasthan.

Gujjars' agitation was called off after the Rajasthan Government agreed to set up a three-member committee to look into their demand for ST status.

The Mahapanchayat would also examine the agreement the Gujjars had with the Rajasthan government.

Gujjar's demand has been opposed by the Meena community, which falls in the ST category that led to violent clashes between the two communities.

ANI