Manoj Jarange arrived in Mumbai as part of the Maratha reservation agitation. They will hold a peaceful protest at Azad Maidan demanding 10% reservation and Kunbi recognition. Over 1,500 police personnel deployed, increasing pressure on the government.
Mumbai: Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange arrived at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Friday morning. He has been protesting and on strike for the past several months. A large number of people are participating in his agitation, and their demand is for reservation for the Maratha community. Upon his arrival in Mumbai, his supporters gave him a rousing welcome in Vashi.
Jarange arrived in Mumbai with a convoy of hundreds of vehicles. Thousands of his supporters were already present in the city. The police have made extensive security arrangements ahead of the protest.
Journey Started from Antarwali Sarati
Manoj Jarange had started this journey from his village Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district on Wednesday. The distance from the village to Mumbai is approximately 400 kilometers. His aim is to apprise the government of the demand for Maratha reservation through a peaceful hunger strike.
Supporters have already reached Mumbai to join him in the march and hunger strike. Their protest is being conducted in an organized and peaceful manner.
Demand for 10 Percent Reservation for Maratha Community
Manoj Jarange is demanding 10 percent reservation for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. He states that this reservation will increase opportunities for the community in government jobs and education.
Jarange has clarified that there will be no violence in his protest and no disruption will be caused during Ganesh Utsav. He has urged supporters to conduct the protest peacefully.
Recognition of All Marathas as Kunbi
Another major demand of Jarange is that all Marathas be recognized as Kunbi. Kunbi is an agrarian community, and upon inclusion in the OBC category, Marathas will receive the benefits of reservation in government jobs and education. This demand is crucial for the rights and opportunities of the Maratha community. Jarange believes that this recognition will ensure the social and economic development of the community.
Permission for Peaceful Protest
Jalna police had granted permission for the march to Jarange and his supporters with 40 conditions. These conditions include maintaining law and order, not obstructing traffic, and not raising objectionable slogans.
Mumbai police have also granted Jarange permission for a peaceful protest at Azad Maidan on August 29 from 9 AM to 6 PM. This protest will be entirely within the legal framework, and no violence will be permitted.
Only Five Vehicles and Limited Number of Supporters
The police have also clarified that only five vehicles will be allowed to enter Azad Maidan. Furthermore, the number of protesters should not exceed 5,000. All protesters must vacate the ground after 6 PM.
Deployment of Over 1,500 Police Personnel
In view of Manoj Jarange's protest, the Mumbai Police have deployed over 1,500 personnel at Azad Maidan. Strict security arrangements have been made.
The Railway Police have also enhanced security at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Many supporters are arriving in Mumbai by train from remote areas of Maharashtra. Security measures will ensure that the protest is conducted peacefully and in an organized manner.
Guidelines from Police and Administration
The police have made it clear to Jarange and his supporters that any form of violence or disorder during the protest will not be tolerated. The administration has also stated that road traffic should not be obstructed and all protesters must leave the ground within the stipulated time.
