The Hindu : New Delhi News : Protesting Gujjars disrupt traffic on Delhi roads

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 01, 2007
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Protesting Gujjars disrupt traffic on Delhi roads

Staff Reporter

Security tightened along Capital's borders

Demonstrators stone vehicles Gujjar team to meet BJP president today

NEW DELHI: For the second day in a row, Gujjars staged demonstrations here in the Capital on Thursday to express solidarity with their community in Rajasthan, which is demanding Scheduled Tribe status, and to protest against "police atrocities". At Khanpur in Ambedkar Nagar, the demonstrators, including women, threw stones at vehicles. A mob of 150-odd people blocked traffic at Fathepur, Mehrauli, and shouted slogans against Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.

"The protest lasted 15-20 minutes after which the crowd dispersed," said Mehrauli Station House Officer C.K. Sharma.

Gujjars took out a procession from Ghazipur Crossing to Kondli, disrupting peak hour morning traffic.

Traffic was thrown out of gear also at Noida Mor near the Akshardham Temple in East Delhi and on Mathura Road.

In the afternoon, Gujjars held a demonstration at Jantar Mantar. Led by Akhil Bharatiya Yuva Gujjar Manch national president Joginder Singh Awana, Gujjar youth from here and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh and Haryana demonstrated outside Ms. Raje's residence at Bhikaiji Cama Place on Ring Road. The demonstrators disrupted road traffic, burnt Ms. Raje's effigy, and shouted slogans against her.

"The members of our community were holding a peaceful demonstration to demand Scheduled Tribe status for themselves when the police opened fire on them and killed innocent Gujjars in Rajasthan. Their sacrifice would continue to inspire us in our fight for our rights," said Mr. Awana. He demanded a compensation of Rs. 25 lakh each for the next of kin of those killed.

The All-India Gurjar Lawyers' Association held a candlelight vigil at India Gate.

With protests staged on the highways leading to the Capital, the police have tightened security at all borders.

The DND flyway connecting Delhi with Noida in UP also witnessed traffic jams.

"A delegation of Gujjar leaders will call on Bharatiya Janata Party president Rajnath Singh on Friday seeking his immediate intervention in the matter," said Delhi Nationalist Congress Party president Ramvir Singh Bidhuri.

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