Date:04/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/04/stories/2007060405561200.htm

National

Gujjars call for Delhi bandh today

Staff Reporter

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 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. The Centre should order a CBI probe into the firing incident," said Mr. Bharana after the meeting.

Police 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 BJP Government in Rajasthan and imposition of President's Rule in the State. The protesters later courted arrest.