Mumbai Police has granted Manoj Jarange limited permission for the Maratha reservation agitation at Azad Maidan on August 29th, restricted to a single day and a maximum of five thousand protesters. Several conditions have been imposed, regarding timing, location, and security protocols.
Mumbai: Manoj Jarange, who is leading the agitation for Maratha reservation in Maharashtra, has received permission to protest at Azad Maidan. Mumbai Police stated that this permission is only for one day and the gathering is limited to a maximum of 5,000 people.
This decision lifts the previous restrictions imposed on Jarange by the Bombay High Court regarding his demonstrations. The police have granted him permission with certain conditions, including stipulations on timing, location, vehicular routes, and crowd size limitations. This step has been taken by the administration to maintain public safety and law and order.
Manoj Jarange Demands Reservation from the Government
Jarange stated that if the government accepts their demands within a day, he will abide by the police conditions. He clarified, "If we are allowed to hold a sit-in protest for one day, then the government should grant reservation in one day, otherwise, we will not hold the protest."
This statement reflects his agitation strategy and intention to put pressure on the government. This agitation regarding the demands of the Maratha community has become the center of political and social discussion. Jarange also said that the aim of his demonstration is only to present their point of view in a peaceful and legal manner.
Police Issue Conditions and Security Instructions for the Agitation
Mumbai Police has set several clear rules and conditions for the agitation:
- The demonstration can only be held on August 29th and from 9 am to 6 pm.
- Only 7000 square meters of Azad Maidan has been reserved for the demonstration and a maximum of 5000 protesters can be present.
- People participating in the demonstration cannot use loudspeakers or any other noise equipment without permission.
- Small children, pregnant women, and the elderly will not be allowed to participate in the demonstration.
- Cooking or littering is not allowed in the ground.
- It is mandatory to avoid inconvenience to traffic and citizens during Ganeshotsav or other public events.
- Vehicles will only enter through the designated route and coordination with the police is required for parking.
The purpose of these conditions is to ensure that the demonstration is conducted in a peaceful, safe, and orderly manner.
Police Ensure Security and Order
Mumbai Police has also clarified that the rights of other protesters will not be affected. Other applicants can also demonstrate in the ground on August 29, but the total number will be limited to 5000.
This step is part of the administration's strategy to maintain security and public order. The police have previously ensured that demonstrations are conducted according to laws and regulations and that no inconvenience or violence occurs.
