Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde has announced the withdrawal of police cases against pro-Maratha reservation protesters in Jalna district, which has been the focal point of the ongoing agitation. Shinde also made a plea to quota activist Manoj Jarange to conclude his indefinite hunger strike.
Furthermore, Shinde revealed the suspension of three police officials involved in a lathi-charge on quota agitators in Jalna earlier in September. These decisions come in the wake of an all-party meeting held in Mumbai to address the escalating Maratha quota agitation led by Jarange.
The activist has been fasting since August 29 at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, passionately demanding reservation in government jobs and education under the OBC category for the Maratha community.
Jarange, in response to the CM’s actions, expressed that he would make a decision on whether to continue his hunger strike on Tuesday afternoon. He steadfastly asserted that he would not yield to pressure from either the government or the opposition on the quota issue.
CM Shinde explained, “The state government has decided to withdraw police cases filed against Maratha quota protesters. Necessary instructions have been given to officials as well.” He added, “The state government has decided to suspend three police officials who were involved in the lathi-charge on Maratha quota protesters.”
The police resorted to baton charges and tear gas shells to disperse a violent crowd at Antarwali Sarati after protesters resisted authorities’ attempts to shift Jarange to a hospital on September 1. Subsequently, the police filed cases against over 360 individuals for their alleged involvement in the violence.
Shinde emphasized that all participating parties in the meeting had passed a resolution requesting Jarange to end his fast. He reiterated, “Maharashtra is a progressive state. We want harmony and peace among all communities. All parties passed a resolution requesting Manoj Jarange to withdraw his fast. I personally request him to call off his fast. The state government needs time to complete the procedure to make decisions (on the quota issue).” To address the Maratha reservation issue effectively, a five-member panel led by retired Judge Sandeep Shinde has been formed. Its primary task is to determine the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), encompassing the legal and administrative framework, for providing caste certificates to Maratha community members historically known as Kunbis, now part of the OBCs in Nizam-era documents. This initiative aims to enable Marathas from the Marathwada region to avail of quota benefits under the OBC category.
The committee established by the state government has already begun its work, although it requires some time to complete its mission, according to the CM. Shinde explained, “The Justice Shinde Committee has held its first meeting and has been given one month to submit a report. The government has also agreed to most of the demands made by Jarange.
