Gujjar protesters demanding five per cent quota in government jobs blocked rail tacks connecting Mumbai to Delhi on Monday near Pilupura under Bharatpur district. Several trains had to be suspended due to the agitation. The Opposition BJP also came out in support of Gujjar leaders.
Gujjars assembled at Raseri village and decided to block the rail tracks. “The traffic has been suspended as a precautionary measure,” said Tripti Vijay, deputy superintendent of police. Gujjars started a sit-in at rail tracks near Bayana, forcing the authorities to suspend trains.
The state government has sent a team of officials including inspector-general of police Madhusudan Singh and divisional commissioner Rajeshwar Singh to pacify Gujjar leader K.S. Bainsla.
However, Mr Bainsla refused to withdraw his agitation. The Gujjar leaders also demanded that the recruitment drive should be suspended till their demand is met.
The high court had granted a stay on five per cent reservation as it exceeded the 50 per cent limit on quota as outlined by the Supreme Court.
The high court will hear the matter on December 22. BJP leaders have also been visiting Gujjar-dominated areas in Dausa, Bharatpur, Karauli and Swai Madhopur.
“We are with Gujjars,” said senior BJP leader and former minister Kalulal Gujjar. “We will mount pressure on the government in our respective areas,” said a senior BJP leader.
Several passengers were left stranded when trains were suspended. The Jan Shathabadi Express was stopped at Bharatpur.
The authorities are taking caution while dealing with agitating Gujjars.
Gujjar leader Bainsla signed a peace accord on May 5, 2010 with chief minister Ashok Gehlot while calling off his agitation. But he said the state government failed to implement the peace deal.