Title - Police units keep a hawk eye on quota agitators

JAIPUR: With thousands of Gujjars assembled at Kushali Darrah area in Sawai Madhopur district, the police administration has geared up to meet the challenges arising out of another agitation by the community for quota. The areas in and around Sawai Madhopur and nearby districts have been converted into fortress where at least 12 companies (1,200) of various armed units of police have been deployed. These include the personnels of Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC), Special Task Force (STF) and other police units.With Sunday evening set as the new deadline by Gujjars to meet their demands, police districts in Bharatpur range which has ample population of the community were on standby mode on Saturday evening. "We are in touch with the leaders on daily basis. I don't think they are planning a violent protest again. Still, we are monitoring their activities to avoid any untoward incident," said a senior police officer. Inspector general of police, Bharatpur range, Anand Srivastav, said, "We have ample strength to respond. At least 12 companies of various armed forces of police have been deployed in various areas to maintain law and order." Thousands of Gujjars led by Kirori Singh Bainsla have shifted to the new venue of Kushali Darrah for mahapadav (indefinite mass protest). The venue became infamous in the 2008 stir after two persons from the community were killed in the area in police firing.

In other parts of the state including Dausa, Bharatpur and Dholpur the community members are mobilising and moving towards the venue.

"We have also called the battalions from nearby police ranges including Kota and Bikaner. Barricades have also been placed on routes leading to the spot where the mahapadav is being held," said a senior police officer.

Meanwhile, DGP Harish Meena and additional DG (law and order) Navdeep Singh have been in touch with the officers of Bharatpur range including Sawai Madhopur to take a stock of the situation.Police sources added that some senior officers from Jaipur police, especially those who were on duty during previous agitations of Gujjars have also been sent.

According to sources from the police intelligence, the Gujjars are making arrangements to strike back if the police will try to come in the way of the agitation.