By IANS
Jaipur : The Rajasthan government invoked the National Security Act (NSA) and detained over 400 people Saturday, two days before the Gujjar community plans to start a campaign seeking Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Normal life was paralysed in and around Rajasthan in the first phase of the protests last summer. At least 26 people were killed in the ensuing violence.
Gujjars, who are presently listed among other backward classes (OBC) in Rajasthan, have been demanding their inclusion in the ST list to get more benefits of the government’s reservation policy in jobs and education.
Meenas, who form the largest ST group in Rajasthan, are opposing the Gujjar demand.
The Justice Jasraj Chopra committee set up by the state government to look into the Gujjar demand has recommended creation of a special package to the poor members of the community and those living in remote parts of the state.
With tourist bookings already falling off before the next phase of the Gujjar agitation, the Rajasthan government invoked the NSA in 12 districts Saturday. It authorises the administration to detain people perceived as threat to peace and security.
The government has also cancelled leave of all policemen and sought additional paramilitary forces from the central government to help maintain law and order.
Prahlad Gunjal, convenor of the Sankyut Sangarsh Samiti (joint protest committee) of the Gujjars, has gone underground to evade arrest. Many other Gujjar leaders are also reported to have done the same.
“We are taking necessary steps to maintain law and order,” a police official told IANS.
Four makeshift jails have been made to confine protesting Gujjars. The police plan to use water canons in place of batons to disperse the protesters.
The administration in Jaipur has given permission to the Sankyut Sangarsh Samiti to organise a huge gathering at Muhana in the outskirts of the state capital. Another Gujjar organisation, the Sangarsh Aarkshan Samiti, is planning to hold its protest near Bharatpur.