http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/04/stories/2007060410440100.htm
Gujjars call for Delhi bandh today Staff Reporter Delhi police make security arrangements Gujjars hold demonstration at Jantar Mantar They seek dismissal of BJP Government in Rajasthan NEW DELHI: The Akhil Bharatiya Gurjar Vikas Sanghatan has given a call for a "Delhi Bandh" on Monday in support of the demand of the Gujjars for Scheduled Tribe status and also to protest against alleged police atrocities in Rajasthan. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Sanghatan here convened by a prominent community leader and Member of Parliament from Haryana, Avtar Singh Bharana. "Being a representative of the Gujjar community, I have made an appeal to them to maintain peace in the State and find an amicable solution to the problem through dialogue. I also called on the Union Home Minister over the weekend to apprise him of the prevailing situation in the State and demanded imposition of President's Rule. The Centre should also order a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the firing incident," said Mr. Bharana after the meeting. Appeal In the wake of the bandh call, the Delhi police have made adequate security arrangements in the capital and are keeping a close watch on the developments. The police have also appealed to members of the Gujjar community to maintain peace and not to resort to any traffic blockade or vandalism. A large number of Gujjars from several parts of the country held a demonstration at Jantar Mantar here on Sunday demanding dismissal of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government in Rajasthan and imposition of President's Rule in the State. The protesters later courted arrest. Led by Delhi Nationalist Congress Party president Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, the protesters carrying placards shouted slogans against the BJP Government in Rajasthan for what they termed brutal police action on their community members resulting in the loss of lives and damage to property. Condemning the firing on a demonstration of Gujjars demanding ST status in the State, Mr. Bidhuri said the "State-sponsored terror against the community had created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in Rajasthan." Mr. Bidhuri said instead of apologising to the people of the State for its "shameful and brutal" act, the State Government was bent upon justifying it. He demanded a probe by a sitting judge of the Supreme Court into the firing. All-party meet Urging Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to intervene, Mr. Bidhuri said an all-party meet should be convened to take stock of the situation and pass a resolution to dismiss the BJP Government. "The incidents in Rajasthan will have a nationwide repercussion for the BJP if it failed to address the issue raised by Gujjars. The Union Government should take a firm stand on the issue of granting Scheduled Tribe status for the Gujjar community," Mr. Bidhuri said.
