PM Modi Appeals for Calm in Gujarat: 10 Developments

Mangalore Today News Network

Ahmedabad, Aug 26, 2015:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for calm in Gujarat; buses have been set on fire and public property has been vandalised in some parts of Ahmedabad and Surat. The tension stems from the brief detention last night of 21-year-old Hardik Patel.

"Violence does not benefit anybody," the Prime Minister said in an appeal on television, adding, "We must work together to solve problems through talks".
   
Hardik Patel was detained briefly by the Ahmedabad police last night. He is leading a movement by the powerful Patel or Patedar caste that wants reservation in government jobs and colleges.
   
The state government led by Chief Minister Anandiben Patel says that’s not possible because Gujarat has already hit a 50 per cent cap on reservation, a limit imposed by the Supreme Court.
   
Hardik Patel says the Patedars have to find room in the state’s list of "reserved" categories. "Our movement is non-violent, we have not triggered any violence," he said today.
   
Mr Patel has called for a bandh or strike today; schools and colleges in Ahmedabad are closed. The police said the situation in Ahmedabad is under control.
   
The Gujarat government has imposed a curfew in parts of Ahmedabad and four other cities and towns. Amid reports of clashes this morning, the famous diamond market in Surat is closed today.
   
As many as 100 buses were set on fire overnight and property damaged in the violence in Ahmedabad, Surat and Mehsana cities and the towns of Unjha and Visnagar, senior local officers said.
   
The Centre has rushed about 5,000 paramilitary personnel to Gujarat and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to the Gujarat Chief Minister this morning, assuring her of all help.
   
Internet services on mobile phones have been suspended in some parts of the state to check the spread of rumours through WhatsApp and SMS. Internet can be accessed on computers in homes and offices.
   
At about 9 pm on Tuesday, the police lathi-charged a large crowd still present at a huge public ground in Ahmedabad, where Hardik Patel had led a mega-rally. He was detained and released within an hour. The news triggered violence in areas dominated by the Patels.

 

Courtesy: NDTV