Ex-lawmaker demands NIA probe into Rajasthan protests

Former MLA Hanuman Beniwal has demanded NIA investigation over the violent protests in Dungarpur district by tribal youth over teacher recruitment examination. The leader has also alleged that the tribal protests took an ugly turn because of state govt's insensitivity and failure of state intelligence unit.

Jaipur: Former MLA and Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) convenor Hanuman Beniwal has cast doubt over the violent protests in Dungrupur-Udaipur Highway and has demanded that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) should probe the matter. Beniwalhas urged Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to approach the Supreme Court and find a constitutional solution to it.

Beniwal has appealed to Union Home Minister Amit to deploy a team of Rapid Action Force (RAF) in view of the worsening law and order in the state.

Applicants of teachers' recruitment examination took to streets and torched police vehicles demanding the filling of 1,167 general vacancy seats for ST community candidates. The protests turned violent when the mob attacked police personnel causing them severe injuries. Yesterday, the Banswara administration imposed Section 144 of IPC in the district, which prohibits the gathering of four or more persons at one place.

Tagging CM Gehlot, Beniwal wrote on Twitter, "Now that you and your government think that the protests in Rajasthan are influenced by the Naxals and Maoists of Jharkhand, Chattisgarh. NIA should probe the matter."

RLP Chief raised apprehensions that why did the state government did not take timely steps to avert the violent protests if they think that protests were influenced by Maoists.

READ: Tribal protesters block Udaipur-Ahmedabad highway, 10 cops injured

The leader has also alleged that the tribal protests took an ugly turn because of state govt's insensitivity and failure of state intelligence unit. He has accused Gehlot of being negligent of tribals' welfare and not taking initiatives to clear their apprehensions.

"If there are unreserved posts of government teachers with ST candidates, then the Gehlot govt must have taken appropriate action in time and must have dealt with it in a lawful way."

Commenting on the damage of public property and vehicles being torched, the leader added, "The police and the district administration officials dealt with it in an unprofessional manner. The cops should have consulted Assistant Prosecution Officer (ASO)."

He further stated that kin of the deceased killed in the agitation must be given Rs 25 lakh financial assistance and jobs by the government.

Violence will not be tolerated in democracy

Hanuman Beniwal also demanded the release of tribal aspirants who have been put behind the bars on false and fabricated charges. However, he also made his stand clear that in democratic country damage and violence will not be tolerated. Only peaceful demonstrations must be held and protestors must participate in the demonstrations keeping in mind the constitutional values and rights.

Giving a warning to Gehlot, Beniwal said that all the vacancies must be filled by the state government at the earliest and 4 lakh vacant posts must be filled. The government must pay attention to the increasing unemployment in the state.

He said that his party has not participated in the mass protests yet but if the govt fails to take any action on time, these protests can trigger huge demonstrations.

READ: Rajasthan: Tribals protest in Dungarpur over recruitment of teachers