New Delhi: At least 15 people, including a policeman, were killed and dozens injured on Friday as Gujjars in Rajasthan agitated again, demanding Scheduled Tribe status from the government.
The incident took place when the rail blockade by over 3000 Gujjars turned violent. Police lobbed teargas shells to disperse Gujjars but it took a bloody turn.
“The Gujjars attacked first. Police attacked in retaliation,” Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria says.
The police have issued arrest warrants against Gujjar leaders.
Meanwhile, it seems that this latest face off between Gujjars and the state government may take some time to fizzle out.
The Rajasthan Government has been trying for sometime to placate the Gujjars. It recently announced a Rs 282-crore package for their upliftment but clearly it’s not enough for the Gujjars who will settle for nothing less than ST status.
(With inputs from Rupashree Nanda)
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