PASS calls for state-wide shutdown in Gujarat

By NewsGram Staff-Writer

The Patidar Arakshan Andolan Samiti (PASS) has called for a statewide shutdown in Gujarat on Wednesday. The move came after the arrest of PASS convener Hardik Patel yesterday which attracted a huge protest in the state.

Demanding reservations in jobs and education for Patel community, a mega-rally was held in Ahmadabad on Tuesday after which Hardik was arrested by police with charges of protesting without permission. He was soon released after the Patidars' community started a violent agitation across the state. He then appealed for peace and restraint and said that the protest will last till the demands are not fulfilled.

The rally with around 1.20 million Patidars turned into a sudden hunger strike at GDMC ground gate in which Hardik gave an ultimatum of 48 hours to the government to accept their demands. When the police took action, the protest turned into an aggressive fray in which protesters started attacking public and private properties. Buses and vehicles were set on fire and buildings were damaged. Curfew was imposed soon in the area.

The shutdown will result in heavy public inconvenience and loss of revenue. Gujarat CM Anandiben Patel has also appealed for maintaining peace in the state through a video message.