Gujjar agitation: PM appeals for calm

With violence in Rajasthan over Gujjars' demand for Scheduled Tribe status continuing unabated, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday appealed to the people to 'desist from actions, which may lead to further violence and distress.'

"The events of the past few days in parts of Rajasthan have caused a great deal of pain and distress to large numbers of people. Sadly, many lives have been lost, plunging their families into grief," he said.

The prime minister's message came soon after he met senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders L K Advani and Jaswant Singh.

"My heart grieves for all those who have lost their family members and those who have suffered injuries," he said asking the people of Rajasthan and also those in neighbouring states to maintain peace and calm.

"I appeal to all sections of society to desist from actions which may lead to further violence and distress, and disrupt the lives of ordinary citizens," the prime minister said.