In response to the ongoing Maratha quota agitation across Maharashtra, the authorities have increased security outside the Mantralaya, the administrative headquarters of the state govt in south Mumbai. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
The decision came as demonstrators took to the streets to express their concerns regarding Maratha community reservation. Over the last 72 hours, the protest has taken a violent turn.
The demonstrators are demanding reservation in educational institutions and government jobs for the Maratha community.
The Maratha community has been advocating for their rightful share of reservations in various sectors; the issue of Maratha reservation has been a long-standing one.
Stir of the community, however, intensified since prominent activist Manoj Jarange began his indefinite hunger strike on October 25.
The protestors in Beed torched home and office of a Nationalist Congress Party MLA following which prohibitory orders were issued in the district & the curfew was only relaxed on Wednesday morning.
Internet services in a couple Marathwada districts remains suspended while in other districts like Dharashiv, Nanded, prohibitory orders have been issued.
So far, the police across Maharashtra has registered as many as 141 cases in connection with the violence during the Maratha quota agitations and arrested 168 persons so far. Public properties worth Rs 12 crore have been damaged cross the state.
The government conducted an all-party meeting on Wednesday morning following which they sought from Jarange to end his indefinite strike and reaffirmed that the state government will give reservations to the Maratha community.
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