Pilupura, Rajasthan:
Gujjars have stepped up their agitation and plan to choke major rail and road links a day after the Rajasthan High Court kept on hold the state government's Reservation Act giving five per cent extra quota for Gujjars in government jobs and educational institutes.
Angry Gujjars are sitting on railway tracks, leading to the diversion of nearly 40 trains. Protesters are threatening to block major highways in eastern Rajasthan.
They have called for a bandh on Friday in Dausa and Ajmer district.
The administration is taking no chances. Paramilitary forces have been summoned to handle the situation.
"The government has cheated us by not presenting our side very effectively in the High Court. It is injustice with us and now I have asked all my people not only in Rajasthan but outside the state also to launch the agitation," said Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla.
"All the rail tracks and highways will be blocked all over the state soon and we are also asking Gujjars in Delhi to stop milk supply in support of our demands," he added.
The quota act that gives 5 per cent extra quota for Gujjars in government jobs and educational institutes has been kept in abeyance for a year.
The court has directed the state government to carry out an exercise within a year to establish the backwardness of Gujjars, Raikas, Raibari and Gadiya Lohar communities in the fields of education and government employment.