By IANS
Jaipur : A crucial meeting between leaders of the Gujjar community and the Rajasthan government ended in a deadlock, pushing the Gujjars, who are demanding a tribal status, to gear up to court arrests on Oct 2 in various parts of the state.
The meeting between Gujjar leaders, state BJP President Mahesh Sharma, and state Rural Development Minister Kalulal Gujjar ended here Saturday.
“We had very peaceful talks with the party president Mahesh Sharma. But we wouldn’t stop the protest till our demands are met,” Colonel K.L. Bainsla, Gujjar leader and head of Gujjar Aarakshan Sangarsh Samiti, said.
“We think that over 500,000 Gujjars are going to court arrest on Oct 2, and nothing would stop us from holding protests except a recommendation letter by the state government to the union government classifying our community as tribals,” said Roop Singh, a Gujjar leader.
In some parts of the state, Gujjars have already started their demonstrations for classifying the community as tribals.
Milkmen in Bandikui and Tonk areas have decided not to supply milk for an indefinite period after Sunday. Those who defy the decision would be penalised with a fine of Rs.5,100.
Though the state government is putting up a courageous face, it is hard pressed making arrangements for maintaining law and order during the protests.
School buildings and other public places are being identified where the protestors would be kept after the arrests, but the local administration is finding it difficult to make provisions for water and electricity at these places.
All government officials on leave have been recalled to duty.
Gujjars held protests all over Rajasthan from May 29 to June 4, demanding their community be included into the Scheduled Tribes category so they get better employment and educational opportunities. Normal life was paralysed across the state and at least 26 people were killed in violent incidents.