Violent Protests Erupt in Jaipur Over UGC Rules, Police Use Force to Disperse Crowd

In the capital Jaipur, a protest by the Shri Rajput Karni Sena and various upper-caste organisations demanding rollback of the new rules of the University Grants Commission (UGC) turned violent. The 600-kilometre-long padyatra that started from Bikaner and reached Jaipur led to a fierce clash between the protesters and the police. As the situation became uncontrollable, the police had to use water cannons and mild lathicharge to disperse the crowd. According to information, the Karni Sena had taken out this padyatra from Bikaner, calling the new rules of the UGC against the interests of upper-caste students and educational institutions. The yatra was to conclude in Jaipur on Sunday. A large number of activists and supporters were marching towards the city collectorate and the chief minister's residence. The protesters say that there are many provisions in the new rules that can be misused, so they should be withdrawn immediately. When the protesters reached Jaipur's Outer Ravan Gate area, the police barricaded them.