Suicide near protest site sparks resentment as demand for reservation continues
Jaipur: The Jaipur-Agra National Highway has been blocked for the seventh consecutive day in Arod village of Nadbai tehsil of Bharatpur district, as members of the Saini, Mali, Kushwaha, Shakya, Maurya and Kachi communities continue their dharna demanding 12 percent reservation. The protest has resulted in the closure of internet services from marked towers in Nadbai, Vair, and Bhusawar tehsils since April 21.
The agitation has taken a tragic turn with the suicide of 48-year-old Mohan Singh near the protest site on Tuesday. The incident has further fueled the resentment in the society, and the community members are demanding a government job and financial assistance for Mohan Singh’s family. They are also demanding that Singh be given the status of a martyr.
The Phule Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti, which is spearheading the protest, has held talks with Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who has sent a letter to the Center demanding reservation. The organization has also proposed a meeting with the Extremely Backward Classes Commission in Jaipur on May 1.
Murari Lal Saini, convenor of the Phule Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti, said, “Mohan Singh has become a martyr for the society. There is a demand from our government that his family should be given a government job and financial assistance.” He added, “A suicide note has been found, in which it is written that 12 percent reservation will be taken.”
The body of Mohan Singh has been kept in the mortuary of Bharatpur district hospital for two days, as the postmortem has not been done due to non-agreement on the demands. The community members are not ready to move off the highway until their demands are met.
Nadbai Deputy SP Nitiraj Singh Shekhawat said, “The relatives of the deceased are demanding Rs 1 crore as aid and a government job.” The situation remains tense, and the authorities are making efforts to resolve the issue and restore normalcy in the area.