Precautionary Measures: Authorities Seal District Borders, Impose Internet Shutdown in Jalna, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Beed
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, 26th February 2024: In response to the Maratha quota agitation led by activist Manoj Jarange, authorities in Maharashtra took measures to maintain law and order. Internet services were suspended in Jalna, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Beed districts on Monday, accompanied by the sealing of district borders as a precautionary step.
The suspension of internet services in these districts, from 6 am to 4 pm, aims to prevent any potential disturbances fueled by rumours on social media platforms. Officials, citing a state home department order, emphasized the importance of avoiding untoward incidents.
In Beed district, three cases have been registered for agitations without permission, with two individuals arrested for damaging a state transport bus. Additionally, a curfew was imposed in Ambad taluka of Jalna district from Monday midnight to preempt any law and order issues amid the ongoing agitation by Jarange.
The imposition of curfew under CrPC section 144 (2) in Ambad taluka is intended to manage potential disruptions caused by the large crowd gathering in Antarwali Sarati village, where Jarange has been on a hunger strike. The order by the Jalna collector highlights concerns about possible traffic disruptions on the Dhule-Mumbai highway and tehsils near Ambad.
The agitation stems from the demand for Maratha quota activists to be categorized under the Other Backward Class (OBC) and the conversion of the notification on ‘blood relatives’ of Kunbi Marathas into law. Despite the recent passage of a bill providing 10% reservation for Marathas in education and government jobs, Jarange remains steadfast in his demands.
On Sunday, Jarange criticized Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for not implementing the notification on ‘blood relatives’ of Kunbi Marathas and accused Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis of attempting to harm him. Allegations of a poisoning attempt through saline were also made by Jarange during the ongoing protest.
