June 19, 2008	Thursday	Jamadi-us-Sani 14, 1429

JAIPUR: An Indian minority community demanding job quotas is likely to call off its violent campaign this week after signing an agreement with authorities, community leaders and officials said.

At least 40 people have been killed since the Gujjars, who are demanding access to state jobs and college quotas, began their protests last month in the western state of Rajasthan.

Most of the dead were Gujjars shot by the police when their protest rallies turned violent.

“It is a historic day,” K.S. Bainsla, leader of the protesting Gujjars, said on Wednesday.

“We are fully satisfied with the talks which have been successful.”

Members of the community are demanding that their place in the Indian caste system be downgraded, making it easier for them to qualify for government jobs and university places reserved for such groups.—Reuters