Jats, Gujjars warn of reigniting quota stir

We will start meetings people to make them aware of the stir for quota.

BHARATPUR: The government move to buy time by re-including five castes in other backward class (OBC) list has failed to have much impact with Gujjars now demanding that they be granted 5 per cent reservation in jobs. The community has given a 10-day deadline to the government.

The Jats in Bharatpur and Dholpur districts have threatened to launch agitation in 15 days if they are not included in OBC category. Bharatpur-Dholpur Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti held a meeting Wednesday. Convener Nem Singh alleged that state has been delaying inclusion of the community in the OBC despite the fact that OBC commission submitted its survey report a few months ago.

The panchayat declared to launch an agitation after 15 days and block all highways and railway routes passing through the district. “Meanwhile, we will start village to village meetings to make people aware of the stir for quota. Youths from the community are facing a big loss. Any further delay on the issue will not be tolerated,” Nem Singh said.

Barring the Jats from Bharatpur and Dholpur, others in the state have been granted reservation under the OBC category both by the Centre and the state. Jats from the two districts were excluded by the centre.

Meanwhile, Gujjar leader Col Kirori Singh Bainsla has also issued an ultimatum to government to grant the 5% reservation in jobs within 10 days. “We want 5% separate quota in OBC category and will not hold any interaction with government representatives after 10 days. Government should solve this matter,” Bainsla said.