Patel agitation: Omar Abdullah questions Gujarat model of development

Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday questioned the Gujarat model of inclusive development in view of the recent violence in the state that has left several persons dead.

"If the #Gujarat model of inclusive development is such a success why have so many protesters demanding a share of that progress died?" Omar, who is working president of Opposition National Conference, wrote on microblogging site twitter.com.

Tension prevailed in Gujarat as the death toll in clashes which started on Tuesday during quota agitation by Patel community climbed to nine today and army was deployed in more cities to rein in the violence. Police control room officials said no major violence was reported in the state overnight barring a few incidents of stone pelting.

A constable of Chowk Bazaar police station, Dilip Rathore, who was injured in clashes with protesters in Dabholi area, succumbed at a private hospital, taking the toll in the violence to nine. Hardik Patel, who is leading the stir, had called for a state-wide bandh on Wednesday.

Six people were killed in firing by police and paramilitary forces, while two others died following clashes, police said. Four deaths were reported in Ahmedabad, three in Gadh village of Banaskantha district and one in Mehasana town.