Gujjars begin quota stir

JAIPUR: Blocking the tracks on the Delhi-Mumbai rail route, the Gujjar community on Friday began its agitation for five per cent reservation in state jobs and educational institutions. Members of the Gujjar Sangharsh Samiti (GSS) had called a mahapanchayat earlier in the day. Soon after, the GSS members went to the Malarna Dungar railway station near Sawai Madhopur and started blocking the railway tracks.  GSS leader Col Kirori Singh Bainsla said, “We want five per cent for our community, the way the Centre has given 10 per cent to the Economically Backward Classes. The government did not respond to our demand, neither did anyone come to talk to us, so we were forced to take this step.”He asked the protesters to remain disciplined and avoid damage to the railway tracks, electric poles and other railway and public property.  The GSS members said that the Congress government had come to power with their support and must now fulfil their demand or face the consequences. (IANS)