11 Feb 2019 | 11:14 PM UTC
India: Gujjar protesters obstruct transportation in Rajasthan February 11
Gujjar protesters continue to obstruct train tracks and roads in Rajasthan state February 11, demanding higher job and educational quota levels; similar protests expected over the coming days
Event
Protesters from the Gujjar community staged protests in Rajasthan state demanding higher job and educational quotas for their community and several others on Monday, February 11. The protesters reportedly staged a sit-in on train tracks in Sawai Madhopur district on Monday and obstructed roads in the districts of Dausa, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, Tonk, and Karauli. No significant incidents of violence were reported during Monday's demonstrations.
Similar protests are to be expected in Rajasthan over the coming days. A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are to be expected around demonstration sites. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
The Gujjar protests, which began February 8, have reportedly disrupted over 300 trains in Rajasthan, with demonstrators demanding increased job and educational quotas for the Gujjar, Raika-Rebari, Gadia Luhar, Banjara, and Gadaria communities. On February 10, police unsuccessfully fired tear gas to disperse protesters blocking a highway linking Dholpur and Gwalior; at last three police vehicles were burned by demonstrators.
Advice
Individuals in Rajasthan state are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, budget additional time to travel through affected areas, and seek alternative modes of transportation, as necessary.
