AAP MLA Chaitar Vasava to visit Paldiya village in Gujarat after violent land dispute

A violent incident was reported from Paldiya village near Ambaji in Banaskantha district following a dispute related to land, officials said.

The situation escalated into violence, during which police used tear gas. Several local residents sustained injuries in the incident.

In the aftermath, Aam Aadmi Party’s Dediapada MLA Chaitar Vasava announced that he would visit Paldiya village on December 17 along with leaders of tribal organisations and a legal team to assess the situation.

Speaking to the media, Vasava said information related to the incident had been collected and a visit was planned to understand the matter in detail.

He said AAP office-bearers, the party’s legal team and representatives of tribal organisations would assemble at 10:30 am after offering prayers at Ambaji Mata and then proceed from Gabbar Parvat to Paldiya village.

Vasava said the purpose of the visit was to determine the root cause of the violence, including who initiated it, why it occurred and why legal action was taken only against members of the tribal community. He also questioned why no action was taken against those who allegedly carried out the lathi-charge, fired tear gas shells and resorted to firing. He further questioned the need for police and forest department officials to conduct a lathi-charge, use tear gas shells and fire nearly 50 rounds.

According to Vasava, the delegation, along with representatives of tribal organisations and the legal team, will visit the village to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident. He added that after understanding the ground situation, discussions would be held on protecting the rights of the tribal community and on steps to prevent such incidents in the future.