Gujjars call for shutdown in Delhi today

Gujjar Mahasabha has called for a shutdown in Delhi today to show solidarity with the Gujjars agitating in Rajasthan over a demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

New Delhi, June 4 : Gujjar Mahasabha has called for a shutdown in Delhi today to show solidarity with the Gujjars agitating in Rajasthan over a demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

The Gujjars have threatened to 'seal the main entry points from Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Noida. They have also announced blockage of milk and vegetables supply, besides rail and road traffic.

Political leaders including some Delhi MLAs have supported the shutdown call.

The Delhi Police have made adequate arrangements in view of the shutdown. They have appealed people of Gujjar community in and around the National Capital Region (NCR) to remain peaceful during shutdown. They have been appealed not to take law in their hand and cause any inconvenience for the citizens of Delhi.

Police has fielded personnel in sensitive areas, who are keeping a close vigil on the developments.

Meanwhile, Gujjar Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti Convenor Colonel Kirori Bahinsla will hold talks with Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje later today.

Col. Bahinsla, who had refused to hold talks with Raje, finally agreed on a condition that he would be provided army security and would not be arrested on his way to Jaipur.

He also asked the State Government to come ahead with concrete plan to resolve the prevailing tension in the State.

Earlier, this week the protests by the community spread to outskirts of Delhi with the satellite towns of the national Capital like Gurgaon and Ghaziabad witnessing road blockades and destruction of public property.

At least 30 people have been killed and several injured in clashes, since May 29, after Gujjars began demanding they be declared a Scheduled Tribe (ST).

The demand has been opposed by the Meena community, which falls in ST category, leading to violent clashes between the two communities.

Gujjars claim the ST status was a promise BJP made when they came to power in 2003.

Agitators demanded the Vasundhara Raje Government should be dismissed immediately. They also demanded a CBI probe into the incidents of police firing in which 'innocent' Gujjars were killed.

ANI