By IANS
Lucknow : Violent protests by the Gujjar community demanding tribal status in Rajasthan spread further into neighbouring Uttar Pradesh Saturday, as agitators removed a part of railway tracks and disrupted train services between New Delhi and Lucknow.
The protesters removed a part of the rail tracks near Dankaur village of Greater Noida, said Uttar Pradesh Principal Home Secretary K. Chandramauli, adding: "Luckily, the removal of a 4-foot portion of the track was noticed well in time and any kind of mishap or loss to railway property was prevented.
"A number of train services between Delhi and Lucknow were, however, disrupted and important trains like the Shatabdi Express and Rajdhani Express were delayed by hours.
"In all 20 major passenger trains were delayed on account of the suspension of traffic on the route," Chandramauli told media persons Saturday evening.
Reports reaching the state headquarters said members of the Gujjar community, which has substantial presence in several districts, gathered at various places in Greater Noida and Bulandshahr and blocked the rail traffic to mark their solidarity with their kinsmen in Rajasthan.
The Uttar Pradesh government has sounded an alert in sensitive areas of the state.
"We have also advised concerned district magistrates and senior superintendents of police to establish contact with local leaders of Gujjar groups to persuade them no to indulge in any act as to disrupt movement of rail or road traffic," the home secretary said.
"Officials have also been asked to take all necessary security measures to ensure safety of rail tracks," he added.