In the precincts of Ambad taluka in Maharashtra’s Jalna district, an imposition of curfew has been decreed. This strategic move aims to preclude any potential disruptions to law and order, given the ongoing agitation spearheaded by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange for Maratha reservation. The district administration has promptly issued an edict to this effect.
Jarange, fervently advocating for Maratha community reservation within the OBC category, staunchly rejects the recently proclaimed 10 percent reservation for the community during a special assembly session on Feb 20, led by the Eknath Shinde-led coalition government. The administrative directive cites Jarange’s declaration on Sunday, expressing his intent to proceed to Mumbai and protest for Maratha community reservation.
Anticipating a gathering at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna, where the activist is staging a hunger strike, the order posits the potential interference of individuals seeking to obstruct his journey to Mumbai. It forewarns of the likelihood of significant congestion affecting the Dhule-Mumbai highway and adjacent areas due to the sizable crowd.
“In consideration of the prevailing law and order concerns, a curfew has been implemented in Ambad taluka from the stroke of midnight on Monday until further notice,” as stated in the order. Nonetheless, certain exemptions are accorded to government offices, educational institutions, national highway transit, milk distribution, media operations, and healthcare facilities, as affirmed by the collector. On the night of Sunday, the Maratha quota activist departed from Antarwali Sarati to reach the nearby Bhamberi village.
However, Jarange retraced his steps to Antarwali Sarati and commenced medical treatment on Monday. Accusing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of orchestrating sabotage in the Maratha quota agitation and plotting his downfall, Patil’s contentions have escalated the quota dispute. This tumultuous scenario reached a climax when agitated Maratha activists set ablaze a State Transport bus at Teerthpuri in Ambad taluka on Sunday, Feb 25.