Exodus continued in Kinaouni village of Noida on second day. Fearing backlash from Gujjars, nearly 50 Jatav families also left the village on Wednesday. They claimed that they are being threatened by Gujjars to vacate the village or be ready to face the wrath. Meanwhile, a mob of nearly 50 people were seen roaming freely in various parts on Tuesday night unleashing terror on the village despite the presence of police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel.
The Jatav families said, “The Gujjars have stopped our business activities by closing our shops forcefully. On Tuesday night, they went on rampage and threaten people to vacate the village. They searched our houses and also beaten a car dealer in front of police.”
“On Monday night, they had vandalised school and other premises and next day they created ruckus in the region. Now we have no option except to leave village to avoid their anger,” said Sabita, a Jatav girl. It has also been reported that over a dozen families of Jatavs, who were living in strongholds of Gujjars, have also left the village after Monday’s incident.
However, family member of Rahul Kasana, who was killed in the clash on Monday, claimed that neither they are involved in the attack on Jatavs nor they threaten Jatavs to leave the area. Few anti-social elements are trying to create trouble in the area, he added. “We have lodged complaint against Chaman Singh Bhagat, main accused, and his associates and want to fight legal battle. We do not want to indulge in direct fight with Jatavs,” said Prithvi Kasana, brother of Rahul.
Meanwhile, the district administration on Wednesday gave a written assurance to the villagers to protect them. “We are ensuring safety and security of the region and have asked villagers not to leave the village,” said a senior administrative official. DIG Meerut Range, K Satyanarayan, also visited the village and talked to both sides on Wednesday.