Security beefed up in Rajasthan over Gujjar agitation

JAIPUR: The security was tightened across several districts of Rajasthan including Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Bharatpur, Karauli, Dholpur, Jaipur, and Bhilwara due to Gujjar agitation.
“As of now, we don’t expect any violent flare up, but elaborate security arrangements are made for the entire state,” said DGP Kapil Garg.



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Speaking to TOI, DG (Law and order) M L Lather, said that no violent confrontation was reported till late Friday night, even as security measures were beefed up for the entire Bharatpur range. He added that security was also beefed up in Kota, Bundi, and Jaipur rural.

“Currently the agitation is confined to Sawai Madhopur which comes under Bharatpur range; therefore, reinforcement was intensified for all four districts of the range which are- Bharapur, Dholpur, Sawai Madhopur, and Karauli,” Lather said.



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Over 17 companies of Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC) have been are on guard, while troops have been put on standby mode. “All our companies are led by efficient officials to ensure that no untoward incident takes place. The PHQ is in touch with all district SPs,” an official informed TOI.

Drawing from their previous experience of Gujjar agitations, the intelligence wing of the state police is keeping an eye on national and state highways to quickly alert nearest police stations about blockades on roads.

“We are keeping an eye on secret meetings where large mobilization is likely to take place. The SHOs are also taking feedback about activities happening at far flung villages in their areas,” the official informed TOI.

Ajmer Range IG, Sanjib Kumar said that police in Bhilawara and Ajmer are on alert even as cops stand guard at parts of Tonk district. While Jaipur city is also covered under a general security alert, the security has been heightened for districts under Jaipur Range which includes, Alwar, Jaipur rural, Sikar and Jhunjhunu.

There is a sizable section of Gujjar population scattered across Shekhawati region, due to which local police was directed to keep an eye on panchayats and gatherings that takes place without prior permission.

The security apparatus of the state police are particularly wary of any flare up at secluded areas of the state, “In events of sporadic protests, the SHOs will have to quickly arrive to control the situation. Because any small flare up can quickly mutate into a major protest and that will seriously strain our resources,” said an official on the condition of anonymity.

The entire focus of the Rajasthan police now rests on Sawai Madhopur. “There is enough reinforcement available for Sawai Madhopur. On Friday there was no sign of any violence and we expect the agitation to carry in a peaceful manner,” the official added.