A large crowd had gathered at Azad Maidan for the Maratha reservation protest in Mumbai. Following the directives of the Bombay High Court, the police commenced action to clear the ground. Manoj Jarange Patil announced that only 5000 people would remain.
Maharashtra: Mumbai Police began the process of clearing Azad Maidan on Tuesday morning, acting on the instructions of the Bombay High Court. The police administration has appealed to the protestors to vacate the ground peacefully. This action has been stated as a measure to reduce disruption to road traffic and inconvenience to the general public.
Manoj Jarange's Announcement: Only 5000 People to Stay
Maratha reservation protest leader Manoj Jarange Patil instructed his supporters that only 5000 people would remain at the protest site. He further stated that those who arrived in vehicles should leave Mumbai. This move by Jarange is seen as an attempt to ensure the protest continues peacefully.
Discussions continued between the police and the protestors at Azad Maidan. The police administration is persistently trying to persuade all protestors to vacate the ground. Meanwhile, the protestors stated that they would not leave the ground unless Manoj Jarange himself gives the order.
Jarange's Claim: Will Not Leave Mumbai
Manoj Jarange had previously stated that he would not leave Mumbai until his demands were met, even if it cost him his life. He appealed to the protestors to refrain from violence and maintain peace. Additionally, he warned Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to respect the Maratha community.
Bombay High Court's Directives and Notice
In compliance with the Bombay High Court's instructions, the police issued a notice to Jarange Patil on Monday for violating the rules. The notice directed the protestors to vacate Azad Maidan. The High Court had observed that the protest was not peaceful and violated the terms of permission.
Protestors' Challenge
Protestors announced their intention to appeal against the police's decision in the Bombay High Court. Their lawyer, Satish Maneshinde, will present their case in court. The protestors assert their right to challenge the police's decision.
Large Number of Protestors
While permission was granted for only 5,000 people, an estimated 35,000 to 45,000 people had gathered at Azad Maidan for the Maratha protest. The protestors also blocked surrounding roads, including CSMT, Marine Drive, and P D'Mello Road. This resulted in severe traffic congestion in South Mumbai and caused inconvenience to the general public.
Police Action
During a hearing on Monday, the Bombay High Court stated that the protest was not peaceful and all conditions had been violated. Advocate General Birendra Saraf informed the court that the protestors had stayed on the ground for longer than permitted. The High Court gave Jarange Patil and his supporters an ultimatum to vacate the ground by Tuesday.
Jarange's Demand
Manoj Jarange Patil is demanding 10% reservation for the Maratha community under the OBC category. He has also called for all Marathas from the Marathwada region to be recognized as 'Kumbhi' and for a Government Resolution (GR) to be issued granting them benefits under the OBC quota.
