Patel OBC quota row: Policeman among 8 dead in clashes, say reports

A policeman died in clashes that happened in Surat in the morning, says NDTV

Six people were killed in firing by police and para-military forces, while one died of head injuries during clashes which started last night, police said. Three deaths were reported in Ahmedabad, three in Gadh village of Banaskantha district and one in Mehasana town. Army conducts flag march in Ahmedabad.

Fresh incident of violence has been reported in Ahmedabad where vehicle was torched by protestors.

Protesters set a vehicle on fire in Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/CTY9PXIRPp

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 26, 2015

Protesters set a vehicle on fire in Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/jNJ9rTOEJa

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 26, 2015

Visuals of Rapid Action Force reaching Surat.

Patel Community Agitation: Rapid Action Force reached Surat (Earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/DBn0H4wRQK

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 26, 2015

Some Western Railway trains have been cancelled, partially cancelled and diverted due to the public agitation in Ahmedabad Division. Here's a list of trains to Gujarat that have been cancelled or diverted.

All schools will remain closed in Ahmedabad tomorrow, say reports

Chief Minister Anandiben Patel on Wednesday denied that her government gave orders to police to lathicharge the protesters at a rally in Ahmedabad, which led to violent protests and backlash by the Patel community members demanding reservation.

The lathicharge by police and brief detention of community leader Hardik Patel yesterday had set off violence across the state, leading to imposition of curfew at many places and death of at least three persons. 

"I have already ordered an inquiry into the lathicharge incident at GMDC ground. Gujarat DGP is conducting the probe," the CM said.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said that provisions have been made for miscreants who want to misuse the situation of the Patel community demanding quota in Gujarat. 

"PM requested for peace. Provisions have been made for miscreants who want to misuse situation," Rijiju told the media here. "This was unexpected. We should all strive for peace," he added.

The agitation of the Patel community demanding quota in Gujarat on Wednesday reached a new level after Rapid Action Force reached Surat. As per reports, army will be conducting flag march soon in the disturbed areas of the city.

Patel Community Agitation: Rapid Action Force reaches Surat. pic.twitter.com/kpuBQR71UW

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 26, 2015

Speaking to ANI, Patel protest leader Hardik Patel said that protesters should maintain peace. "If everyone works together, it will lead to development of the nation," he said. 

According to reports, 6 people were killed in Gujarat in the last 24 hours. Out of these 6 people, 5 were reportedly killed in police firing. Army has been called in to control the situation. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeals for peace in Gujarat, says violence does not benefit anybody.

About 5,000 paramilitary personnel rushed to Gujarat in the wake of violence during agitation by Patel community for quota.

Patel Agitation: Fresh clashes break out at Akhbarnagar circle in Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/SnkbEYOkZ6

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 26, 2015

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation office vandalised, vehicles set on fire in Ghatlodia west.

Fresh clashes break out between police and protesters in Ahmedabad

This Patel agitation is a failure of Narendra Modi's Gujarat model. If these economically & socially powerful want reservations then what is fault of Brahmins, Rajputs & Bhumiyars? - Manish Tewari

Spoke to Gujarat CM Smt. Anandiben Patel regarding the law and order situation in the state. Additional paramilitary forces have been rushed to Gujarat as per the request made by the state government: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh

Patel Agitation:Schools and colleges in Rajkot to remain closed amid tight security (Pic- ANI) http://t.co/Qbav69Md5e pic.twitter.com/vEzja51C5W

— dna (@dna) August 26, 2015

Have asked Police Commissioner to carry out thorough investigation in series of events and appropriate action will be taken against the guilty: Anandiben Patel

Chief Minister Anandiben Patel has appealed to the people of Gujarat to maintain peace and not to indulge in activities disrupting law and order across the state in light of the violent protests by members of the Patel community across the city.

"I urge people to refrain from spreading & believing any rumours & support state administration in maintaining peace & harmony across Gujarat. My sincere appeal to the people of Gujarat to maintain peace and not to indulge in activities disrupting law and order across the state," Patel said on Twitter.

My sincere appeal to the people of Gujarat to maintain peace and not to indulge in activities disrupting law & order across the state.

— Anandiben Patel (@anandibenpatel) August 25, 2015

Paramilitary forces like State Reserve Police Force, BSF and Rapid Action Force have been deployed in cities like Ahmedabad and Mehsana. However, no casualties have been reported in the state so far.

Curfew was imposed in Mehsana city, about 90 kms from here, and Unjha and Visnagar towns after widespread incident of arson in which attempts were also made to set on fire residence of Gujarat Minister of State of Home Rajni Patel.

Surat Police have also imposed curfew in Kapodara and Althan areas of the city after angry mob took to the streets and resorted to violence and arson.