Clashes in Guwahati over reservation

Nov 24:  In a series of violence, Saturday can also be included as a violent day in Indian history. Though the violence in Guwahati has no relation to the previous that held today and yesterday in Uttar Pradesh, but it can be correlated with the cycle of violence held in Rajasthan few months back for asking reservation to Gujjars community.

The clashes held between the local residents and the tribals in Guwahati’s center point between Beltola and Dispur that becomes the cause of many deaths and several injuries. The actual number of survivals and injured is not confirmed so far, as administration has not responded about the death of the people. But more than 10 unattended dead bodies were lying on the road, according to reports come from incident place.

The indefinite curfew has been imposed surrounding violence-hit areas and army has been called to control the situation. The situation is still tensed but under control, says report.

The tribal student union has called a protest rally in Guwahati against state government for not fulfilling the demands of tribals (santhal), who were asking the reservation in Schedule Tribe quota like other state government (Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa) and better life status including health facilities.

The rally moves on the Beltola and Dispur road, which is the main hub for state transportation from the state assembly premise, some of the protestors left behind. Their protest fury turned into arson and destruction. Many of them began to burn vehicles and shops and started throwing stones on the local residents. Some of them have also beaten to local residents with their arms (arrow and bows); in their response the locals beat them bitterly by lathis. These clashes grew rapidly and the entire nearby were burnt with the fire of violence and revenge.

These tribal protesters are tea garden labours, whose forefathers were called for working in the tea gardens from central India in British period, as informed the tribal leader to the reporters.

“If we get appropriate reservation in ST quota like Jharkhand, Orissa and other state, our condition will be better and we will get many chances in education and jobs”, said adivasi (tribal) leader.

“The tribals in Jharkhand and Bihar have reservation quota in ST status, we should also need similar quota in the state like them”, added leader.