Passengers stranded as Gujjar agitation continues

MATHURA - Hundreds of passengers were stranded Tuesday as movement of trains between Mathura in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan’s Bharatpur was disrupted by Gujjars who have been agitating for reservation in government jobs, officials said.

“The protesters have been sitting on the railway track at Piloo ka Pura near Bharatpur and trains had to be diverted. The passengers were stranded in Mathura, Agra and Bharatpur,” a rail official said.

Reports also said that the tracks were damaged.

Over 15,000 Gujjars began their agitation Monday, demanding reservation in state government jobs in Rajasthan. They are led by Gujjar Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti convener Kirori Mal Bainsla.

Half a dozen trains, including the Rajdhani Express, were diverted through Agra Cantt railway station to avoid Bharatpur Monday evening.

“My talks with the divisional commissioner in Bharatpur failed. Efforts are on to make the agitation statewide,” Bainsla said.

A representative of the Gujjar Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti said talks could now only be held with Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.