Reuters AlertNet Lite - Indian tourist route blocked in tribal protest

Reuters AlertNet Full site

NEWSDESK

Indian tourist route blocked in tribal protest

30 May 2007 10:34:18 GMT
Source: Reuters

JAIPUR, India, May 30 (Reuters) - Protesters from an Indian tribe torched two police posts and blocked a highway between two of India's biggest tourist destinations on Wednesday, demanding affirmative action to gain government jobs and college places.

The Rajasthan state government deployed 600 police along the main highway between Jaipur and Agra, home to the Taj Mahal. The army was also called in.

"The situation is volatile and we are keeping a close watch on it," said G.C. Kataria, Rajasthan's home minister.

The protests came after Tuesday's deadly clashes between police and ethnic Gujjars demanding special status as a tribe.

Thirteen Gujjars were shot dead by police and one policeman was beaten to death by crowds.

On Wednesday, demonstrators blocked the Jaipur-Agra highway and rail traffic between the two cities was also diverted.

Kataria said more than 80 people have been arrested.

The Gujjars are demanding the status of a "scheduled tribe" which, under Indian law, would benefit them with government jobs and education opportunities.

The Gujjars belong to the northwestern parts of India. Most of them are Hindus except those in Muslim-majority Kashmir state, who follow Islam. They have traditionally been farmers on the plains and shepherds in the hills.

The issue of job and education quotas for lower castes and tribal people has often sparked controversy and protests in India.

Last year, dozens of medical students were hurt in clashes with police as they protested against a government plan to reserve some seats at universities for lower castes and tribes.

AlertNet news is provided by

Email this article Send comments

Countries

Small country map
© 2004 Europa Technologies Ltd.

Reset map

• India profile
· View map

MORE >>

NGO latest

• Plan launched a worldwide camapign calling for action on girls' rights abuses
Plan UK

• Plan launched a worldwide camapign calling for action on girls' rights abuses
Plan UK

• India: large numbers of IDPs are unassisted and in need of protection
NRC - Norway

• In tsunami rehabilitation efforts, some "found their courage"
CWS

• CARE congratulates Sir Elton John for putting food first in the fight against HIV and AIDS
CARE International - UK

MORE >>

Latest news

• Indian tourist route blocked in tribal protest

• Court jails 83-year-old for life in Mumbai blasts

• Thousands of Bhutan refugees protest on India border

• Indian jewellers shut shops to protest rising thefts

• India says 3 infiltrators killed on Kashmir border

MORE >>

Last updated:Wed May 30 10:36:14 2007