Gujjar community stages protest in MP

BHOPAL: The agitation by Gujjars in Rajasthan over the quota issue had its echo in Madhya Pradesh with the community members staging demonstrations and blocking roads at some places on Friday, seeking dismissal of the BJP government in the neighbouring state.

Rallies, sit-ins and road blocks were held in Neemuch, Morena, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Gwalior and other districts as Gujjars demanded Scheduled Tribe status for them and compensation to families of those killed in Rajasthan police firing.

Security was tightened in many areas, particularly in Gujjar dominated Chambal belt, in a bid to prevent any untoward incident during the protests, police said.

In Neemuch bordering Rajasthan, a rally was held under the banner of Gujjar samaj at Manasa to protest police firing in Rajasthan and a memorandum addressed to the President was handed over to officials. Rallyists also burnt effigies of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia.

Besides seeking dismissal of the Raje government, the protesters also wanted action against those involved in police firing, district Gujjar samaj president Manohar Gujjar said.

Families of those killed in police firing should be given Rs 10 lakh compensation each and one member of a deceased's family must be provided job, he said, adding job reservation should be extended to Gujjars in Madhya Pradesh.

A call was given for Morena bandh tomorrow by the Gujjar Vikas Sangathan as members of the community blocked road traffic in areas bordering Rajasthan, state sangathana president Virendra Singh Harsana said.