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In response to the ongoing agitation for Maratha reservation by activist Manoj Jarange, a curfew has been imposed in Ambad taluka of Maharashtra’s Jalna district. The order, issued by Jalna collector Srikrushna Panchal, cites concerns over potential law and order issues related to the Maratha quota agitation.
Jarange, who announced his intention to go to Mumbai and protest for Maratha community reservation, has been staging a hunger strike in Antarwali Sarati village in Ambad taluka. The order anticipates the arrival of quota supporters, which may impact traffic on the Dhule-Mumbai highway and tehsils near Ambad, leading to potential disruptions and law and order challenges.
To mitigate these concerns, curfew under CrPC section 144 (2) has been imposed in Ambad taluka from Monday midnight until further orders. The order exempts government offices, schools, movement on national highways, milk distribution, media, and hospitals.
Activist Jarange, alleging a poisoning attempt and expressing concerns about his safety, has declared his intention to march to Mumbai and protest outside the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde urged Jarange not to test the government’s patience, while also making remarks about the activist’s statements resembling the script used by Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray.
Despite the Maharashtra legislature’s recent unanimous passing of a bill providing 10% reservation for Marathas in education and government jobs under a separate category, Jarange persists in demanding quota under the Other Backward Class
