Internet services in Rajasthan’s Sawai Madhopur district were suspended till February 13 as the protest by members of the Gujjar community entered its fifth day on Tuesday, ANI reported.
The district collector also issued a notice to Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla, directing him to vacate the railway tracks where protestors have been camping since February 8, severely hampering movement of trains.
Members of the community have been asking the state government to implement 5% reservation it had promised them and four other groups – Raika-Rebari, Gadia Luhar, Banjara and Gadaria – in 2017. At present, the community has 1% reservation in education and government jobs. The Congress government in the state has appointed a panel of three cabinet ministers to negotiate with the community.
Bainsla on Tuesday said members of the community wanted negotiations to be held in their presence, and not in state capital Jaipur.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot urged protestors on Monday to participate in a dialogue with the government instead of holding demonstrations. “Who is at a loss?” Gehlot asked. “It is the country which is at a loss. What is the point of staging a protest? I would like to make an appeal. Start a dialogue with the government. I can assure you we will do whatever we can.”
The protest turned violent on Sunday after agitators set ablaze three police vehicles and fired shots in the air in Dholpur district.
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