Maratha quota stir | Jarange reaches Mumbai outskirts with thousands of supporters

Mr. Jarange said the Maratha agitation will never disrupt any celebration planned on Republic Day and would instead celebrate the day.

Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange reached Navi Mumbai with thousands of supporters to push for reservation for the Maratha community.

Mr. Jarange and other Maratha activists reached the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) on outskirts of Mumbai around 5 a.m. by bikes, cars, jeeps, tempos and trucks.

As per his plan, Mr. Jarange, along with his supporters, will begin his hunger strike at Azad Maidan on January 26. The protesters are demanding Kunbi (OBC) status to the Maratha community.

Despite the Mumbai Police issuing a notice to him denying him permission to hold a hunger strike in the city, Mr. Jarange announced that he will reach Azad Maidan in south Mumbai on January 26.

In a notice issued under section 149 of the Criminal Procedure Code that enables the police to prevent cognisable offences, the police said, “Mumbai is the financial capital of the country and various financial institutions, international advocacy and other financial centers are working in Mumbai.

“Approximately 60 to 65 lakh citizens travel by train and other means of transport for jobs in Mumbai every day. If the Maratha protestors reach the city in their vehicles, it will have an adverse effect and the everyday transport system in the city will collapse.” The Mumbai police suggested that the protestors could gather at International Corporation Park Ground at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai after seeking permission from the authority concerned. Police said that if the morcha did not adhere to the notice, they will be held in contempt of orders of the High Court and Supreme Court.