Post-violence in rally, PM appeals for peace in Gujarat

By NewsGram Staff Writer

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the people of Gujarat on Wednesday to maintain peace in the state. This statement came a day after the state witnessed violence at a rally to demand reservations for the Patel community in Gujarat.

"Everyone must work together for development and it is through development that we can serve the people, especially the poor. Violence has never done good for anyone," Modi tweeted.

"Once again, I appeal to the people of Gujarat to maintain peace. Violence will never achieve anything. It is my appeal to all of you — the only Mantra must be 'Shanti' (peace)," Modi, a former three-time chief minister of Gujarat, said.

A state-wide shutdown was observed in Gujarat on Wednesday, a day after a Patidar mega-rally was held here demanding reservations in education and jobs for the Patel community.

Hardik Patel, 22, convener of Patidaar Arakshan Andolan Samiti (PAAS) was detained and taken into custody by the police after he launched a hunger strike at the GMDC Ground late Tuesday evening.

With inputs from IANS