HC asks Rajasthan government to clear rail track, roads

The Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday directed the state government to remove protesting Gujjars from railway tracks and clear blockades on roads.

Justice R.S. Rathore, while hearing a contempt petition filed against Gujjar leader Kirori Singh Bainsla, asked police to get vacated the railway tracks and clear Jaipur-Agra national highway by Wednesday.

"It seems that law and order situation has derailed," the court observed. The court also sought details on damage to railway property.

Besides, the court asked collectors of the five affected districts, Rajasthan's chief secretary and director general of police and divisional railway manager to be present before it on Thursday.

"Why were they (Gujjars) allowed to block rail and road traffic," the court asked.

The rail track, which is part of Delhi-Mumbai sector, has been blockaded by the protestors since May 21.

Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria appealed to agitating Gujjars to vacate rail tracks and also to allow plying of vehicles on Jaipur-Agra highway.

"We will first try to make them understand the court order. If they do not vacate, then we will have to resort to different methods, including using police force, to remove them," said Kataria.

The Gujjars are demanding, among others, five percent reservation in state government jobs under the Special Backward Class category.