Gujjar unrest spreads to Delhi, protests at several places

NEW DELHI: The unrest in Rajasthan over Gujjar community's demand for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe list spread to the national capital on Thursday with protests taking place in several areas.

Members of the community blocked roads, leading to major traffic snarls in the morning hours, and burnt the effigies of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje as they took out protest demonstrations at several places.

Protestors, including women, pelted stones at vehicles in Khanpur locality of south Delhi and blocked vehicular movement in Dullupura, Kondli and Malviya Nagar areas, police said.

A demonstration also took place outside the residence of Raje in Bikaji Cama Place in south Delhi. A large number of Gujjars assembled at Jantar Mantar shouting slogans against Rajasthan government.

With protests taking place on the highways leading to the capital, police have tightened security at all the borders. The flyway connecting Delhi with Noida in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh was closed for traffic to avoid any trouble.

Gujjars had hit the streets in Khajoori Khaz locality of northeast Delhi on Wednesday to protest the police firing on members of their community in Rajasthan, killing at least 12 persons.

Meanwhile, the agitation continued to paralyse normal life across Rajasthan for the third day with protestors blocking highways and indulging in arson, stone pelting and clashes with police in many areas.