Pune: Maratha Outfits On Indefinite Strike Demanding Termination Of Police Cases Against Agitators

After a meeting which was held on Saturday, August 18, Maratha Kranti Morcha and Sakal Maratha Samaj, declared an indefinite protest in Pune on August 20. This protest will be carried out at the Pune Divisional Commissioner’s office.

According to NDTV, coordinator Shantaram Kunjir, Balasaheb Amrale, Tushar Kakde, Rekha Konde and Sushil Pawar also stated that this upcoming protest is to demand the termination of the police cases against the community youth, who participated in the previous demonstrations. Adding to this, they also said that they would demand jobs for the kin of people who committed suicide during the agitation.

Indicating the level of authenticity, they said that the code of conduct for the protesters has also been finalized.

“We expect about 50-60 protesters to be part of the relay hunger strike between 10 am and 6 pm. It will be a new batch of identified participants with their phone name, number and address. The code of conduct prohibits any loud and instigating speeches, sloganeering and solicitation of any political party. Protesters have been directed to not resort to any violence,” said Shantaram Kunjir, told the Hindustan Times

Background

The Maratha community, which comprises roughly around 30 per cent of Maharashtra’s population, is aggressively campaigning for the reservation in jobs as well as educational institutions. The protest, popularly known as Maratha Morcha, urged 16 per cent reservation for the community. The protesters had turned violent during their protests in Aug and early July, as a result of which, several public transport mediums, in Mumbai, were hacked and brought to a standstill. The local shops were made to shut, while many offices declared a leave.

In July, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also told ANI that the government is working on the suggestions shared by the Maratha community members, some provisions were also made for the reservation, but later stayed by Bombay HC

The government has taken cognisance of protest by Maratha community and has taken several decisions. Govt is ready to talk to them. Govt had made a law for reservation to the community but that was stayed by Bombay HC: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis pic.twitter.com/YLwht6EQpv

— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2018

Also Read: Lakhs Of Marathas Join Silent Protest In Maharashtra Demanding Reservation: All You Need To Know About It