The Patel community once again resorted to violence and agitation as their demand for reservation continues in Gujarat. However, the Gujarat bandh call made by the protesters, fell on deaf ears as they failed to evoke much response in the region, except for Mehsana that saw a riot-like situation.
The lukewarm response from the people saw life continue as was across the state except Mehsana where the Patidars clashed with the police on Sunday. An unoccupied house that belonged to Minister of State for Home Rajnikant Patel was set on fire by unidentified people. The same house was attacked last August when the agitation took place, and again in November. “Unidentified men stormed into the empty house and set ablaze the furniture and other belongings. The mob also hurled stones on fire tenders trying to reach there. This is the same house which was set on fire in August last year during agitation related violence,” said an official of control room.
Mehsana was a small reminder of the agitation that took place last year with at least 15 persons, including six policemen, SPG president Lalji Patel and some media persons injured with mobs resorting to heavy stone pelting near Modhera circle, forcing police to use water cannons, tear gas shells and rubber bullets. Mehsana District Collector Lochan Sehra said people resorted to large-scale vandalism by damaging at least seven government vehicles, including a number of state transport buses in Mehsana. An ATM booth was torched and Mamlatdar Vipul Thakkar suffered injuries when his car windows were broken. Modhera police chowky was also set ablaze by the riots.
Curfew was imposed in the town and was lifted the following morning as the bandh call went off peacefully for the most part. The government banned all mobile internet services in towns in Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot and Mehsana, till midnight. Sehra said, “We had lifted curfew at 6 am as the situation was under control. No reports of untoward incident came during the bandh call.”
In-charge DGP P P Pandey said, “We have mobilised additional forces in Mehsana, Surat, Morbi, Rajkot and Ahmedabad in view of the Gujarat bandh. Rioters will be dealt with strongly.” Union home minister Rajnath Singh tweeted he had spoken to CM Anandiben Patel who apprised him of the situation. A state committee of ministers, formed to negotiate with the quota agitators, held a “fruitful and positive” meeting in Gandhinagar. Another round of talks will soon ensue.
