Hardik Patel, the convener of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti, on Thursday demanded Rs 35 lakh ex gratia payment each to the families of those killed in the clashes during the ongoing agitation for reservation to the people of the community.
The members of Patel community clashed with the police in Ahmedabad, Surat, Mehsana and other parts of Gujarat after the Patidar leader was arrested on Tuesday.
According to the latest reports, as many as nine people have died, while 100 were left injured. Around 18 people are said to be in a critical condition, reports cited officials as saying on Thursday.
As many as five people were killed in Ahmedabad, police officials told AFP on Wednesday. Three people were killed in police firing in the districts of Banaskantha and Mehsana. A policeman was killed in Surat after the angry mob beat him up. [ Read More: Full List of 27 Trains Fully or Partially Cancelled, 5 Diverted]
Hardik Patel has squarely blamed the Gujarat government and the police for the violence. He maintained that the rally was being held peacefully until the police arrived and baton-charged the protesters, triggering violence.
Curfew has been imposed in Ahmedabad and some other places. Army and paramilitary forces have been deployed in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Patidars in Gujarat--a wealthy business community--have been demanding reservation in government jobs and educational institutions under OBC quota.
Also Read: Curfew in Ahmedabad, Surat, Mehsana, After Police Detain Hardik Patel [Photos+ Video]
