Quota Stir: Heavy Security In Mumbai As Maratha Outfit Plans 'Jail Bharo Andolan'

Maratha outfit Maratha Kranti Morcha has called for "Jail Bharo Andolan" in Mumbai’s Azad Maidan on Wednesday demanding a decision on quota in education and employment for the community.

The Mumbai police claimed to have ample security arrangements for "Jail Bharo Andolan" to maintain law and order. The police has also been asked to be on alert in other parts of Maharashtra as well in wake of "Jail Bharo Andolan" called by the Maratha Kranti Morcha.

According to a press release issued by the Morcha, the communities' major demands are--- decision on the Maratha quota at the earliest , all cases against Maratha protesters be taken back , action against the officers responsible for firing and lathi charge during July 25 protest, resignation or sacking of ministers MLAs who gave irresponsible statements against the community.

Besides reservation, the outfit has also been demanding loan waiver, justice in Kopardi rape and unemployment for their community. Meanwhile, they are also demanding a compensation for the injured and the family members of those who died during protests.

Maratha Kranti Morcha leader Amol Jadhavarao claimed that government has shown tokenism about their demands and has announced acceptance of some of their demands after the All-Party Meet, but there is still no official written order issued in this regard.

Earlier on Tuesday, a day after arson and stone-pelting in parts of Pune over the Maratha reservation issue, the police booked "4,000 to 5,000 people" and said the violent protests caused loss of property to the tune Rs 10 crore.

Over 60 vehicles, including public transport buses, were vandalised and torched by protesters during violence in Chakan, an industrial hub 40km from Pune, where life is slowing signs of returning to normal.

Meanwhile, the spate of suicides spurred by the Maratha quota agitation rose to six as a labourer and a student ended their lives on Tuesday. Eight other protesters attempted suicide.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday had said his government was working on the demand for reservations to the Maratha community, but that the legal process could not be curtailed.

(With agency inputs)