Maratha outfits announce hunger strike from I-day

We demand a probe into the attack at MIDC Walunj. We strongly believe the attackers were not Marathas and this was done by some miscreants. SANJIV BHOR PATIL, state coordinator, Maratha Kranti Morcha

MUMBAI: After parts of Maharashtra burned during the state-wide bandh called by Maratha outfits on August 9, the community’s spokespersons have claimed that incidents of violence are attempts to defame them. The protestors have threatened to go an a chain hunger strike from August 15.

Vinod Patil, state coordinator of Maratha Kranti Morcha, said, “We demand a probe into the attack at MIDC Walunj. We strongly believe that the attackers were not Marathas and this was done by some miscreants. The police can check CCTV footage and arrest all those who found involved in the attack.” Sanjiv Bhor Patil, another state coordinator, said that in addition to the demand for 16% reservation, the community also wanted the government to withdraw cases filed against protestors.

“We also want the government to withdraw serious charges imposed on community members for protest held last month. If the government doesn’t withdraw them as early as possible, then we may again have to come on the roads,” Patil said.

On Thursday, agitators in Pune, Aurangabad, Latur, Nagpur and Hingoli were seen damaging vehicles, blocking roads and throwing stones. Pune police arrested 194 people, including juveniles. At MIDC Walunj, which is approximately 12kms from Aurangabad city, corporate offices were attacked by mobs and five vehicles were set on fire.

“We have decided not to hold any agitations on road giving no chance to anyone to create violence in the name of Marathas. The community is known for its disciplined silent marches, which is being defamed by some miscreants. We have also decided to hold chain hunger strike outside the divisional commissioner’s office from August 15 if our demands are not met,” said Shantaram Kunjir, a Pune coordinator.

Meanwhile, a delegation of Dhangars led by member of Parliament Vikas Mahatme met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and demanded their reservation quota be increased from 3.5% to 7%. Fadnavis has said that the state will make recommendations to the Centre after Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) submits a report that will analyse whether their demand is justified, by the end of the month.