Members of Gujjar Community protesting against police action on Gujjars in Rajasthan who are demanding reservation under ST Category at Khajuri Chowk, in New Delhi on Wednesday. Photo: Sushil Kumar Verma.

Jaipur, May 31 (PTI): Hopes were today raised for an end to the crisis triggered by the Gujjars' agitation for Schedule Tribe status with the Rajasthan government saying the first round of talks with the community was a "good beginning" and the deadlock has ended.

The meeting held at Dausa circuit house lasted for about 90 minutes and both parties have gone to apprise their leaders and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Parliamentary Affairs Minister B S Rajawat said.

In the preliminary rounds of talks held early this morning, a ten-member gujjars' delegation led by Karnal Kirori Singh Bhainsla sought shifting of Gujjars from OBC to ST category, cash gratia in cash, job to dependents, and withdrawal of police cases of agitation lodged in last three days, Rajawat said.

"It was a good beginning and deadlock has ended, hope for the best solution," he said.

The four ministers - Digamber Singh, S M Jat, Madan Dilawar, and L N Dave - who took part in the meeting have returned to the state capital and are holding talks with the chief minister.

The second round of talks is likely to be held in the afternoon in Dausa, he said.

The Rajasthan government had last night invited Gurjar representatives for talks to resolve the crisis in the wake of the violence that has left 14 dead so far.

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