AMN /
At least 8 persons including a police constable were killed and many injured in the ongoing violent incidents in different parts of Gujarat. Some areas of Ahmedabad, Surat, Mehsana, Visnagar, and Unjha town are still under curfew.
According to police sources, more than 50 buses were torched, while many government properties including state transport buses were targeted by the angry mobs during the violent incidents. Chief Minister Anandiben Patel earlier briefed Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and asked additional companies of paramilitary forces to maintain law and order situation in the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today appealed to the people of Gujarat to remain calm and maintain peace following violence in the state over an agitation demanding job reservation for the Patel community. In his message, Mr Modi said violence does not benefit anybody and peaceful solutions to the issue should be found. He said development is only possible if all sections of society work together.
The situation is tense but under control following violence incidents that sparked off since last night. Army has staged flag march in some parts of Ahmedabad today.
The Chief Minister has also asked for the report regarding police lathicharge on the crowd at GMDC ground where the agitators were on fast unto death after the rally. In a media release, Mrs. Patel has appealed to the people to remain calm and maintain peace.
Minister of state for Home Rajnikant Patel has said that Government has ordered an inquiry in to the police action on agitators and will take action on all responsible for the violence. Meanwhile, there was partial bandh in many areas of the state following a bandh called given by Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti leader Hardik Patel.
Paramilitary forces including State Reserve Police Force, Rapid Action Force and Border Security Force have been deployed in Ahmedabad, Surat and Mehsana district to maintain law and order situation. 11 companies of CRPF have already been deployed in different parts of the state, while 30 additional companies are being sent from Delhi.
In a media release, Chief Minister Anandiben Patel has ordered inquiry against the alleged police atrocities on agitators and assured strict action against the responsible persons. She also appealed to the people to maintain peace in the state.