Maratha Kranti Morcha to organise 'jail bharo andolan' today; police say 'we are prepared'

The protest will be organized at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.

Maratha Kranti Morcha protesters block a road, as police personnel stand by during their statewide bandh called for reservations in jobs and education, in Navi Mumbai. PTI Photo/ File

Maharashtra: In a fresh phase of agitation, the Maratha outfit –Maratha Kranti Morcha who are demanding a 16% reservation in government jobs and education is set to begin a ‘jail bharo’ andolan on Wednesday. The protest will be organized at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. During the protest the Marathas will be pressing the following demands:

• 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 Maratha community
• Outfit has also been demanding loan waiver
• Justice in Kopardi rape and employment for their community
• Meanwhile, they are also demanding a compensation for the injured and the family members of those who died during protests

As per Mumbai Police, sufficient security arrangements have been made for “jail bharo andolan” to ensure law and order situation is in place.  The police have also been asked to stay alert in other parts of Maharashtra. Catering to the protesters demands, the government had reportedly taken a call to support the demands of Marathas, during an all party meeting called by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, but has not made any official announcement so far. A Maratha Kranti Morcha riot victim on Monday, who was injured in a clash between protestors and police in Navi Mumbai, succumbed to his injuries. So far, two protestors have taken their lives demanding reservations for Marathas while one, who also attempted suicide, is undergoing treatment at a hospital.