Daijiworld Media Network - Jaipur
Jaipur, Jul 9: Mobile internet services were suspended in Rajasthan's Karauli district on Thursday after tensions between the Gurjar and Meena communities over the release of water from the Panchana dam escalated on social media, prompting police to register FIRs against members of both communities for allegedly posting inflammatory content.
Bharatpur Divisional Commissioner Nalini Kathotia said mobile internet services would remain suspended until Thursday night as a precautionary measure.
"The suspension was imposed following the exchange of abusive and provocative messages between members of the Gurjar and Meena communities on social media. The district administration and police can provide further details on the issue," Kathotia said.
On Wednesday, members of the Gurjar community staged protests and blocked roads at several locations in and around Karauli, demanding legal action against members of the Meena community accused of posting objectionable content online.
Meanwhile, members of the Meena community held a sit-in protest at Kusay village in the Gangapur City subdivision of Sawai Madhopur district, alleging that water released from the Panchana dam had failed to reach canals in the command area.
State Agriculture Minister Kirori Lal Meena and Water Resources Minister Suresh Rawat visited the protest site on Wednesday night and chaired a meeting with farmers and senior officials in Gangapur City. Following the discussions, the protesters agreed in principle to withdraw their agitation.
The farmers had alleged that water supply through the canal had been interrupted and demanded uninterrupted release of water from the Panchana dam.
Rural Development Department Secretary Krishan Kunal said technical issues encountered during the trial run of water release into the canal were being rectified to ensure smooth operations in the future.
Water Resources Minister Rawat said the dam's gates, which had been operated after nearly 20 years, developed technical glitches during the process.
"All technical issues related to the dam gates will be resolved within seven days," Rawat said.
He added that the functioning of the gates would be demonstrated before farmers between July 17 and 18 and assured uninterrupted water supply to cultivators in the command area.
Rawat also said a high-level inquiry would be ordered if any official or employee was found negligent.
Agriculture Minister Meena said the state government remained committed to ensuring adequate water supply for farmers in both the command and catchment areas and appealed to all communities to maintain peace.
"Strict legal action will be taken against those found posting abusive or inflammatory content on social media," he said.
Following the government's assurances, members of the Meena community withdrew their protest.
Meanwhile, the Gurjar community convened a mahapanchayat at Gudla village in Karauli district on Wednesday, where community leaders issued a 24-hour ultimatum, warning of a statewide road blockade if those responsible for the alleged objectionable social media posts were not arrested.
Several Gurjar leaders, including Vijay Bainsla and Roop Singh Gurjar, addressed the gathering.