Surat: Zakir Shaikh, 28, is an unusual supporter of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) because he belongs to a different religion and happens to be a non-Patidar. His commitment has surprised both Patidar activists and also police since he actively participates in all the events organized by PAAS in the Diamond City.Zakir Shaikh, a resident of Valak village near the city, was arrested on Tuesday along with four other PAAS members for burning tyres near Shyam Dham crossroads on Sunday. The accused had burned the tyres on the road to block traffic movement at around 9.40pm soon after Alpesh Kathiriya, Surat convener of PAAS, was arrested.Along with Zakir, Milam Kathiriya, brother of Alpesh, Parth Baldha, Bharat Kakadiya and Yogesh alias Gando Beladiya were arrested. Police are checking if the accused were arrested in the past for any crime.“Involvement of Shaikh is surprising. He is not a Patidar, yet he takes part in the all the violent protests that is organized by PAAS. He had been arrested in the past by police multiple times,” a police officer said.“We are surprised to see Shaikh’s involvement in the protests organized by PAAS. There are not many non-Patidar active members in PAAS. He has participated in many PAAS events outside Surat too,” another police officer said.Shaikh took part in the jail bharo programme organized by PAAS in 2015, protests against BJP president Amit Shah’s event in 2016 and youth BJP leader Rutvij Patel’s rally and other such events before assembly elections in December 2017. Shaikh’s family supports him in his decision to take part in PAAS agitations for reservation for the community.“Shaikh has been an active member of PAAS since the beginning. He is an ardent supporter of Hardik and PAAS’ demands. He believes due to reservation policy, many deserving candidates have not been able to achieve success,” PAAS convener Dharmik Malaviya said.

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