India ethnic protests called off

INDIA: An Indian ethnic group demanding special government treatment called off violent protests which have left 28 people dead in the past week, its leaders said Monday.

“We are ending our protests. We have got the results that we wanted,” Kirori Singh Bainsla, leader of the Gujjar community, told reporters in Jaipur, capital of the desert state of Rajasthan.

The Gujjars called off the protests after reaching an agreement with the Rajasthan government which promised to form a panel to look into the community’s demands.

The Gujjars, traditionally shepherds who make up about five percent of Rajasthan’s population, want the special “Scheduled Tribes” status which would grant them job and education privileges.

In a week of violence in Rajasthan, 20 people died in clashes with the police, while eight more were killed in violent protests by Gujjars and the rival Meena community.

The influential Meenas are opposed to the Gujjar proposal as they already enjoy the special status and fear more competition.

Earlier Monday, the Gujjars tried to cut off the Indian capital New Delhi from the rest of the country by stopping traffic into the city.

Gujjar protestors, who have a significance presence in the capital, burnt effigies of Indian politicians whom they said had refused to grant them the status.

New Delhi, Tuesday, AFP.