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Tribal protests spread to Delhi Tribal protests spread to Delhi
(about 1 hour later)
Hundreds of Indian tribal protesters are blocking main roads into the capital, Delhi, in a row over the government's affirmative action policy.Hundreds of Indian tribal protesters are blocking main roads into the capital, Delhi, in a row over the government's affirmative action policy.
Gujjar community members want access to government jobs and other benefits.Gujjar community members want access to government jobs and other benefits.
Trouble began a week ago in the state of Rajasthan where violent clashes between Gujjar protesters and security forces left at least 23 people dead.Trouble began a week ago in the state of Rajasthan where violent clashes between Gujjar protesters and security forces left at least 23 people dead.
Members of the rival Meena tribe, which at present corners most of the quota benefits, oppose the Gujjar demands.Members of the rival Meena tribe, which at present corners most of the quota benefits, oppose the Gujjar demands.
Troops deployedTroops deployed
Last week's tribal unrest involving the two rival communities in Rajasthan spread to Delhi on Monday.Last week's tribal unrest involving the two rival communities in Rajasthan spread to Delhi on Monday.
Violence spread across Rajasthan state last weekViolence spread across Rajasthan state last week
Gujjar leaders have called a day-long strike and protesters are blocking a number of key roads into the city.Gujjar leaders have called a day-long strike and protesters are blocking a number of key roads into the city.
Reports from some areas say buses have been set on fire. Paramilitary troops and extra policemen have been deployed.Reports from some areas say buses have been set on fire. Paramilitary troops and extra policemen have been deployed.
In the Ghitorni area on Delhi's outskirts, police fired tear gas to disperse a stone-throwing mob.In the Ghitorni area on Delhi's outskirts, police fired tear gas to disperse a stone-throwing mob.
Many of the city's residents say they have not been able to travel to their workplaces in Gurgaon - a southern suburb where big IT and multinational call centres are based.Many of the city's residents say they have not been able to travel to their workplaces in Gurgaon - a southern suburb where big IT and multinational call centres are based.
Railway authorities say some trains on their way to Delhi have been halted or diverted.Railway authorities say some trains on their way to Delhi have been halted or diverted.
Meanwhile, Gujjar community leader KS Bainsla is in the Rajasthan state capital, Jaipur, for talks with Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia.Meanwhile, Gujjar community leader KS Bainsla is in the Rajasthan state capital, Jaipur, for talks with Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia.
Several rounds of talks last week failed to break the deadlock.Several rounds of talks last week failed to break the deadlock.
On Sunday afternoon, the protesters finally cremated six of their dead whose bodies they had held on to since they were killed in clashes with police.On Sunday afternoon, the protesters finally cremated six of their dead whose bodies they had held on to since they were killed in clashes with police.
Sensitive issueSensitive issue
Violent protests started last Tuesday in Rajasthan's Dausa district when police fired on Gujjar protesters who had blocked the main road connecting Jaipur with the tourist destination of Agra where the Taj Mahal is located.Violent protests started last Tuesday in Rajasthan's Dausa district when police fired on Gujjar protesters who had blocked the main road connecting Jaipur with the tourist destination of Agra where the Taj Mahal is located.
Over the next few days, the unrest spread across the state.Over the next few days, the unrest spread across the state.
Properties and vehicles were vandalised, roads blocked and train and bus services disrupted. A strike call by protesters shut several towns.Properties and vehicles were vandalised, roads blocked and train and bus services disrupted. A strike call by protesters shut several towns.
Gujjars are a large and politically-influential tribeGujjars are a large and politically-influential tribe
The Gujjars - a large and politically-influential nomadic tribe spread across north India - want to be categorised as an official tribe so that they may benefit from affirmative action quotas which will give them access to government jobs as well as places in state-supported schools and colleges.The Gujjars - a large and politically-influential nomadic tribe spread across north India - want to be categorised as an official tribe so that they may benefit from affirmative action quotas which will give them access to government jobs as well as places in state-supported schools and colleges.
Observers say that if the government accedes to their demands, it will anger the Meenas who are already in the official tribes list and do not want to share benefits with the Gujjars.Observers say that if the government accedes to their demands, it will anger the Meenas who are already in the official tribes list and do not want to share benefits with the Gujjars.
The Meenas have threatened protests if the Gujjars get what they want, and the Gujjars say they will step up their action if their demands are not met.The Meenas have threatened protests if the Gujjars get what they want, and the Gujjars say they will step up their action if their demands are not met.
Gujjars comprise about 6% and Meenas 10% of Rajasthan's 56 million people.
The issue of affirmative action is a sensitive one in India, with many poor communities arguing that it is the only way millions of under-privileged people can benefit from India's economic boom.The issue of affirmative action is a sensitive one in India, with many poor communities arguing that it is the only way millions of under-privileged people can benefit from India's economic boom.
But those opposed to it say it is a cynical move by politicians to gain more votes from politically influential communities who make up a large percentage of the country's population.But those opposed to it say it is a cynical move by politicians to gain more votes from politically influential communities who make up a large percentage of the country's population.