Hardik Patel to intensify quota agitation; internet ban lifted

Ahmedabad: Addressing supporters in Surat, Hardik Patel, who is spearheading the Patidar quota agitation in Gujarat, has vowed to intensify quota agitation, with big rallies planned in Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Junagadh, Mehsana, Bhavnagar.

Speaking to his supporters here, the 23-year-old leader of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti, said that the Ekta Yatra, which was disrupted on Saturday, was not a flop and that so many people wouldn't have taken to the roads if it were a 'flop'.

Meanwhile, Mobile Internet service across the state was reinstated following peaceful situation on Sunday, a day after sporadic incidents of violence took place in some parts of the state following Hardik Patel's arrest for defying prohibitory orders.

"The situation is totally under control across the state. No incidents of clashes or violence have been reported today," an official at the state police control room said.

"Looking at current situation, I have ordered to lift the ban on mobile internet from today afternoon," Vadodara Police Commissioner E Radhakrishnan said, speaking about Vadodara.

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State Director General of Police (DGP) P C Thakur had on Saturday banned mobile internet services across Gujarat for indefinite period to stop possible rumours.

Hardik, who is leading the agitation for reservation to his community under OBC category, was arrested on Saturday while he was trying to take out the 'Ekta Yatra' from Surat. This led to violent protests in Mehsana, Surat and Bapunagar area of Ahmedabad, where angry mobs engaged in stone pelting and clashed with local police.

However, the protests did not spread further and were curbed immediately by police.

"Some angry locals of Bapunagar area came on roads and threw stones on Saturday. However, local police along with State Reserve Police dispersed the mob. The situation is calm today," Bapunagar police inspector R K Ladva said.

In Surat, the situation is under control following clashes on Saturday after Hardik's detention.

"There are no reports of violence today in the city. Situation is normal and peaceful," Surat Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana said.

Similarly in Mehsana town, where angry protesters gathered in large numbers at Modhera road on Saturday, there was no sign of any such protest today, an official at the district police control room said.