By IANS
New Delhi : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday appealed for peace and calm in Rajasthan as he sought to resolve the ugly conflict between Gujjars and Meenas over the quota issue with a meeting with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, including L.K. Advani.
"The events of the past few days in parts of Rajasthan have caused a great deal of pain and distress to large numbers of people. Sadly, many lives have been lost, plunging their families into grief," the prime minister said.
"I appeal to all the people of Rajasthan and also those in neighbouring states to maintain peace and calm. I appeal to all sections of society to desist from actions which may lead to further violence and distress and which will disrupt the lives of ordinary citizens," he said in a statement.
Home Minister Shivraj Patil was among those who attended the meeting with BJP leaders even as the impasse in Rajasthan continued after three rounds of talks between the state government and Gujjar leaders, who are demanding tribal status for the community.
The BJP leaders, who later met at former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's residence, directed Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje to personally participate in the fourth round of talks later Saturday in a bid to resolve the issue that has claimed over 25 lives since Tuesday.
The Gujjars are demanding Scheduled Tribe status for better education and employment opportunities. Meenas are trying to block the move since they are the only community accorded such a status in the state.