By IANS
Bhopal : Gujjar leaders in Madhya Pradesh Thursday demanded the dismissal of the Vasundhara Raje government in Rajasthan, where 14 people of the community were killed Tuesday in an ethnic upsurge over their demand for better employment and educational opportunities.
Madhya Pradesh Gujjar Mahasabha (assembly) here submitted a memorandum to Governor Balram Jakhar, seeking the dismissal of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Rajasthan.
"BJP had promised Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to Gujjars during the state (Rajasthan) assembly elections but now it refuses to take note of the demand. Instead, it wants to silence the voice of the Gujjars demanding their rights," said Sardar Singh Dangas, president of the assembly.
The Mahasabha has also demanded a compensation of Rs.1.5 million (Rs.15 lakh) each to kin of the deceased and Rs.500,000 each to the injured.
The Gujjar leaders will decide on the future course of action during the nationwide community meet, slated to be held in Delhi next week.
The Mahasabha members, led by former local Congress MLA Jodhram Gujjar, also burnt an effigy of the Rajasthan chief minister.
On Wednesday, Madhya Pradesh Congress workers staged sit-ins here demanding dismissal of the Rajasthan government, saying they would take to the streets if the Gujjars were not provided justice.
"A criminal case should be registered against those responsible for the killing of innocent people during police firing and the victims be paid adequate compensations," said state Congress spokesman Manak Agarwal.