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Gujjar agitation: Centre reviews security situation in northern States

Special Correspondent

— Photo: PTI

RAISING THE PITCH: Gujjar women stage a rail blockade at Karwadi-Pilupura village in Bharatpur district of Rajasthan on Tuesday.

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Tuesday reviewed the general security scenario in the northern States, in view of the ongoing Gujjar agitation in Rajasthan and the community’s call for a general strike in the National Capital Region on May 29. The region has been put on “high alert.”

The review meeting, presided over by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, was attended by Special Secretary (Internal Security) M.L. Kumawat and Delhi Police Commissioner Y.S. Dadwal, official sources said.

Mr. Patil stressed the need for maintaining law and order in the NCR. He discussed the measures to be taken to maintain peace on May 29.

Later, he also briefed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the situation arising out of the Gujjar agitation.

The Home Ministry has already issued advisories to Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab to remain alert in view of the Gujjar agitation spreading to newer areas.

The Centre was concerned as the agitation affected movement of trains, blocked road traffic to Rajasthan, causing inconvenience to tourists, visitors and the general public, inflicting heavy economic losses to the government and affected States.

The Ministry has rushed about 21 companies of Central forces to Rajasthan, drawing personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force, Rapid Action Force and the Border Security Force.

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