The Mumbai police have initiated action against Maratha activists to clear Azad Maidan. Intense discussions between Manoj Jarange's supporters and the police are ongoing. The police are trying to convince activists to peacefully end their protest, following Bombay High Court's directive to vacate the maidan by 3 PM.
Meanwhile, the movement's leader Manoj Jarange Patil has made a significant declaration, instructing his supporters to leave the protest site. He announced that those who have brought vehicles will move out of Mumbai, and only 5000 people will remain at the site. Nevertheless, the police have made it clear that all protestors must vacate Azad Maidan, leading to a heated exchange.
Protestors have also stated firmly that they will not leave Azad Maidan until Manoj Jarange Patil instructs them personally to do so.
'We Will Not Leave Mumbai, Even at the Cost of Our Lives'
Earlier, in response to a police notice, Jarange asserted that he will not leave Mumbai until his demands are met, even if it means risking his life. He urged protestors to maintain peace and avoid violence. Jarange also warned Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that honoring the Maratha community would receive reciprocal respect from their side.
On Tuesday morning, following Bombay High Court instructions, Mumbai police issued a notice to Jarange Patil for violating regulations. They appealed to the activists to evacuate Azad Maidan. The notice also highlighted that the police have scrutinized Jarange Patil's statements in the media and included them in the notice. However, activists have declared their intention to challenge the police's decision in court.
Protesters to Approach HC Against Police
Prior to Jarange's announcement, the police revealed that an application was submitted last night to extend the protest approval, which the police dismissed on Tuesday morning, instructing the activists to clear the roads. In response, the protestors have decided to contest the police's verdict in the Bombay High Court.
Virendra Pawar, one of the protest organizers, informed that the lawyer Satish Maneshinde will represent the Maratha protestors in court.
Source: aajtak
Protestors Arrive in Large Numbers
The protest permission was initially granted for only one day with a maximum limit of 5,000 participants. However, an estimated 35,000 to 45,000 protestors led by Jarange Patil arrived in Mumbai, blocking streets like CSTM, Marine Drive, and P D'Mello Road, resulting in severe traffic congestion and public inconvenience in South Mumbai.
Source: aajtak
Bombay High Court Enforces Restrictions
On Monday, during a petition hearing, the Bombay High Court remarked that the Maratha reservation protest was not peaceful and breached all conditions. The court issued an ultimatum to Jarange Patil and his supporters to vacate Azad Maidan and all other areas of Mumbai by Tuesday.
Maharashtra Advocate General Birendra Saraf informed the court that the protestors have violated every rule and overstayed beyond the permitted time at Azad Maidan.
What Is Jarange's Demand?
Manoj Jarange Patil is advocating for a 10% reservation under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category for the Maratha community. He demands that all Marathas in the Marathwada region be recognized as Kunbi and a government resolution (GR) be issued to provide them the OBC quota benefits.
