Tensions Rise in Jaipur as Protesters Demand UGC Rollback

Protests Erupt in Jaipur

Jaipur, Aug 3: On Monday, tensions escalated in Jaipur as police deployed water cannons to disperse members of the Shri Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena and their supporters during a rally. The demonstrators were advocating for the reversal of recent decisions made by the UGC and addressing various demands concerning the Savarna community.

The protesters assembled at Ravan Gate and began their march towards the Collectorate to present a memorandum.

Led by Mahipal Singh Makrana, the National President of Shri Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena, the rally was intended to proceed via Panipech. However, police set up barricades near Kalwar Puliya in an attempt to halt the procession.

A clash ensued as protesters attempted to push through, prompting police to use water cannons to manage the crowd. Some demonstrators reportedly tried to approach the water cannon vehicle.

Despite police intervention, the protesters managed to remove the barricades and continued their march towards the Collectorate via the Jhotwara-Panipech route.

In response, authorities bolstered security measures and added more barricades near Chomu Puliya, anticipating the rally's arrival.

A significant police presence, including members of the Special Task Force (STF), was deployed to ensure public safety.

Organizers claimed that participants from 24 states joined the rally, with many supporters arriving in private vehicles and buses.

This protest is part of the larger 'Savarn Nyay Yatra,' initiated by Mahipal Singh Makrana to contest UGC decisions and highlight issues faced by the upper-caste community.

Makrana began his journey from Jaipur to Deshnok in Bikaner approximately 24 days ago. The march evolved into the Savarn Nyay Yatra, reaching Jaipur on Sunday.

During the final stretch, Makrana reportedly experienced health issues and briefly lost consciousness on Saturday. Nevertheless, he continued the yatra while seated in a wheelchair. On Sunday night, thousands participated in a torchlight procession from Govindpura to Bajrang Dwar.

The main rally on Monday commenced from Kalwar Road, aiming to reach the District Collector's office to submit a memorandum. A large contingent of protesters advanced towards the Collectorate, arriving at the Chomu Puliya area.

Authorities responded by deploying additional police and erecting barricades at Chomu Puliya to prevent further progress. Water cannons were utilized after protesters attempted to breach barricades near Kalwar Puliya.

Despite police efforts, demonstrators dismantled barricades and continued their march, with the situation remaining tense but under close police supervision as the procession moved through Jaipur.