The North Indian community, especially those living in the northern part of the state and Ahmedabad, had a horrific time after several groups of agitators turned violent. The situation spiralled out of control after several outsiders were allegedly involved in cases of rapes.
A major chunk of the community is mainly labouring and are leaving after Friday's incident, leading to a political tug-of-war. Thakor community ransacked the shanties of the migrant labourers after a 14-month-old, of Sabarkantha district, was raped by a north Indian labourer a few days ago. Several labours also sustained injuries during the ransack operation.
The BJP has been blaming Alpesh Thakor-led Thakor Sena volunteers for the incident. "Assault on the non-Gujaratis is to spoil the atmosphere of the state. Congress MLAs and their workers have been trying to create a difference between the Gujaratis and the migrants," said IK Jadeja, vice-president of Gujarat BJP.
"People of all communities have been living in harmony in the state. The non-Gujarati community has a remarkable contribution to the development of Gujarat. The government also has taken actions against the people involved in rape," Jadeja added. "Women and girls are being raped and murdered in the state over the past several years. Eleven girls were raped in just seven months. The people are disappointed with the government," Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said.
"The rapists should be punished. But, the government is trying to shield their failure by making allegations against Congress. It's a shame. The BJP workers are insensitive and are not worried about the deteriorating law and order in the state," Doshi added.
Quota stir leader Hardik Patel also reached Himmatnagar on Thursday and met the family of the victim. "I believe in the Constitution. It gives right to every Indian to stay anywhere and make a living. I believe that those who have anything against the commonman's right should be dragged out of Gujarat," Hardik Patel said.
