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Saturday, Jun 02, 2007
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National

Traffic snarls in Delhi

Ashok Kumar

Effigies of Vasundhara Raje burnt

NEW DELHI: Sporadic incidents and long traffic snarls were reported from several parts of the capital as the protests by the Gujjars entered the third day on Friday. The agitating Gujjars are demanding Scheduled Tribe status in Rajasthan and are also protesting against the alleged police atrocities on members of the community.

At Dallupura in East Delhi, a large number of protesters took to the streets, burnt effigies of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and shouted slogans against the Bharatiya Janata Party Government in the State. Though the demonstration began on a peaceful note, the crowd later turned violent and hurled stones at buses. Two buses were damaged and traffic was disrupted for several hours in the area.

A case of rioting

"A case of rioting has been registered against the demonstrators and security has been tightened in the district. Other parts of the district, however, remained peaceful," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Ajay Chaudhry.

In the adjoining North-East district, demonstrators blocked traffic at Seelampur T-point and Khajoori Khas and Bhajapura crossings. They burnt an effigy of Ms. Raje, shouted slogans and disrupted traffic. More than 200 protesters were detained as a precautionary measure.

"In view of the protests, patrolling has been intensified in the district and temporary pickets have been set up on Wazirabad and Grand Trunk Roads. So far, the demonstrations have been peaceful but the area along Wazirabad Road has been identified as sensitive and security has been tightened there," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (North-East) Jaspal Singh.

Also, a large number of Gujjars assembled at Jantar Mantar shouted slogans against the Rajasthan Government.

"We have stepped up vigil in view of the protests and increased patrolling in the New Delhi district," said a senior police officer.

Similarly, a large number of Gujjars blocked traffic on the Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road near Ghitorni village in South Delhi.

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