Maratha reservation protest: Internet services suspended in 3 districts of Maharashtra

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The Maratha reservation protest in the state has taken an aggressive mode since Sunday, creating a law and order situation. On Monday, internet services are suspended in three districts, namely Jalna, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Beed to maintain law and order in view of the Maratha quota agitation led by activist Manoj Jarange.

As a precautionary measure, borders of these districts have also been sealed by the authorities. The internet services in the three districts have been suspended with effect from 6 am to 4 pm to avoid any untoward incident due to rumours on social media platforms, an official said quoting an order of the state home department, reported PTI.

Curfew was also imposed in Ambad taluka of Jalna district from Monday midnight to prevent any law and order issue. While, three cases has been registered in Beed district for agitations without permission and two persons have been arrested for damaging a state transport bus.

There is a possibility that Jarange's supporters may arrive at Antarwali Sarati village in Ambad taluka of Jalna, to stop Jarange from heading to Mumbai. The the activist has been staging a hunger strike at Antarwali Sarati village, and addressing a gathering on Sunday announced that he will march to Mumbai, to protest outside Deputy chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis' official residence. Huge crowd had gathered on Sunday too, some supporting Jarange to march to Mumbai, while some raising slogans to stop him marching alone.

The police stopped Jarange on Sunday to head to Mumbai, however, the activist is firm on his protest. This may impact peace and create law and order issues. Hence, curfew has been imposed under CrPC section 144 (2) by the district collector in Ambad taluka from Monday midnight till further orders, PTI report said.

The state legislature last week, unanimously passed a bill providing 10 per cent reservation for the Marathas in education and government jobs under a separate category. But Jarange has been firm on his demand for quota for the community under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category and converting the notification on 'blood relatives' of Kunbi Marathas into a law.

Chief minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday took a stern stand against Jarange to not take law in his hand, or strict actions will be taken against him. "Don't test government's patience", the CM said. While Deputy CM, Ajit Pawar slammed Jarange for using slang language against Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and making allegations.

Jarange on Sunday accused Fadnavis for sabotaging his protest and his plan to defame Jarange. Jarange also accused that Fadnavis tried to kill him, while using inappropriate words against the Deputy CM of the state.