Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Gujjar talks

The beginning of talks between the Rajasthan government and the Gujjars is a positive step towards peace. Since both sides have found the talks encouraging, one hopes a decision will soon be reached that will satisfy them.

But the government must ensure that the Gujjar agitation does not set a precedent for other communities to make similar demands. Not only does social unrest of this nature disturb the common masses but also claims precious lives. While natural disasters cannot be prevented and terrorism strikes unexpectedly, the loss of life through such protests is avoidable.

Rema Ravi Varma,

Chennai

The Gujjar agitation is a blot on the Rajasthan government’s leadership. The only solution to the issue is to impress upon the Gujjars that the Scheduled Tribe status is not the solution to their problems. The government should help the community to progress in the areas in which it lags behind and ensure its all-round development.

It should seriously consider extending reservation to the economically backward sections at least to ensure that other communities do not make similar demands in future.

M. Mrinalini,

Karimnagar

The significance of the Gujjar agitation goes beyond talks and their results. After India got independence, it became necessary to include all communities in the development process. Our leaders, therefore, provided for reservation to the most deprived sections. But the effects of globalisation on the weaker sections have made more groups demand a share in the pie. No one agrees with the methods adopted by the Gujjars to press their demands. But the question is: are their demands unjustified?

The message to the government is clear: take into account the aspirations of all communities that suffer from economic and social deprivation. Focus on inclusive development and equal rights. The increase of GDP is not the only indicator of India becoming a developed country.

Navin Narayan,

Jaipur

Reservation was constitutionally accorded for a limited period with a view to providing opportunities of growth to those communities that were deprived of equal opportunities for ages. But reservation, even after 60 years, has not achieved the desired result. Rather, it has added to our social problems. The Gujjar agitation should be an eye-opener to all those who still argue for reservation, which has lost its basic objective.

Balvinder Singh,

Chandigarh

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