Jaipur, July 2: On Wednesday evening, violent clashes erupted between protesters and police in Jaipur following a Mahapanchayat organized by nomadic and semi-nomadic (DNT) communities. The demonstrators were demanding a 10% reservation and attempted to march towards the Chief Minister‘s residence after the gathering. The situation escalated into violence when police stopped them at barricades.
Protesters reportedly threw stones at police officers, prompting law enforcement to respond with a baton charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Around a dozen individuals, including police personnel and local residents, sustained injuries during the violence. Several protesters were also injured amid the police action.
A heavy police presence was deployed, and officials later reported that the situation was brought under control. Approximately 50 protesters were taken into custody.
Members of the nomadic and semi-nomadic communities had gathered at the Vidyadhar Nagar Stadium for the Mahapanchayat to voice their demand for a 10% reservation.
After the meeting concluded around 6 PM, participants announced their intention to march towards the Chief Minister’s residence.
Police had already established extensive security measures and set up barricades to prevent the march.
When protesters attempted to breach the barricades, clashes began, quickly escalating into violence.
DCP (North) Karan Sharma stated that the police facilitated a meeting between a delegation of protesters and senior government officials, which had a positive outcome.
However, Sharma noted that despite the discussions, some protesters suddenly became aggressive, attempted to break the barricades, and allegedly misbehaved with local residents.
When police intervened, they were reportedly met with stones thrown by both protesters and civilians.
In response, police used force, including baton charges and tear gas, to disperse the crowd.
Officials reported that more than a dozen people were injured, and around 50 protesters were detained.
Opposition leader Tika Ram Juli condemned the police action, calling the use of batons, tear gas, and stone-pelting during the peaceful protest of the DNT community highly condemnable.
Juli alleged that the government’s actions against marginalized and disadvantaged groups reflect its insensitivity.
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