World | India
Gujjars continue talks with government today
First meetings have been concluded in positive atmosphere, say participants of both sides.
- IANS
- Published: 00:01 June 14, 2008
Jaipur: The Rajasthan government and Gujjar leaders met yesterday in Jaipur for "positive talks" and would hold more discussions today in their effort to resolve the prolonged standoff over the community's demand for tribe status.
"The second round of talks that went for over two hours here was positive," Om Prakash Mathur, state chief of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, said.
"The talks were held in a cordial environment and we have decided to hold another round of talks here today," said Ramdas Agarwal, who headed the government delegation.
"I am optimistic that we will be able to reach an amicable solution," he added.
Masood Chaudhary, vice-chancellor of a university in Jammu and Kashmir who is heading the Gujjar delegation, said the community raised its problems and the government listened to them "with an open mind".
The second round of talks has raised hopes that the 22-day violent standoff over the demand for affirmative action may end.
A 28-member team of the Gujjar is holding discussions with a nine-member government delegation.
Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and Gujjar leader K.S. Bainsla are not part of the talks.
The government had paved the way for the meetings on Thursday by releasing 24 Gujjar women arrested during the agitation, a precondition the community had set for the talks.
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