Gujarat returns to normalcy, army flag march continues

Opposition protests in state assembly demanding CM's resignation

Life returned to normalcy in Gujarat on Thursday, even as the Indian Army carried out flag marches in major cities such as Ahmedabad, Surat and Mehsana, among others.  The state government lifted curfew and section 144, imposed on sensitive areas since late Tuesday. While schools and colleges will continue to remain closed till Monday, banks, offices and government establishments resumed work on Thursday.  

Major towns in the state witnessed incidents of violence and rioting on Tuesday and Wednesday, after a rally by the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) turned violent following the arrest of its leader Hardik Patel. The PAAS had organised the rally demanding other quota under the Other Backward Classes category for Patidars (Patels).

The opposition Congress raised the issue in the Assembly and sought resignation of Chief Minister Anandiben Patel. The public transport too resumed services while damaged rail tracks were being repaired even as trains continued to run late.

During the protests, Patel ministers in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government too faced the wrath of their community members.

Agitated protesters tried to torch the house of Gujarat minister of state for home Rajni Patel and offices of several BJP leaders.