Mumbai police deny Jarange Patil permission for hunger strike at Azad Maidan
Police cited disruption to daily life, past crowd violations and Ganeshotsav crowding in refusing permission for the September 19 protest.
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Manoj Jarange Patil, who has been preparing for an agitation in Mumbai over the demand for Maratha reservation, has suffered a major setback. He had sought police permission to hold a fast unto death at Mumbai's Azad Maidan on September 19. Jarange's side had also given an undertaking that all conditions set by the police would be followed. However, the Azad Maidan police have clearly refused to grant this permission.
The police say the agitation could have a major impact on the day-to-day functioning of South Mumbai. They have expressed concern that it could put pressure on schools, hospitals, businesses, courts, public transport and the health system. This is the reason the permission has been denied, keeping public order and security in mind.
The police have also cited Jarange's previous Mumbai agitation. At that time, a large number of Maratha agitators had come out on the streets of Mumbai, which had a direct impact on the CSMT area and municipal corporation roads. According to the police, the general public faced considerable difficulty during that time and questions were also raised about law and order.
Last time, permission was granted for Azad Maidan with a cap of only five thousand people. But police claim that a crowd far exceeding the set limit had gathered there. This is why the police have taken a fairly cautious stance in granting permission this time.
The atmosphere of Ganeshotsav in Mumbai this year is also a major reason for police concern, as the city in any case sees a huge crowd during this period. Due to immersion processions and various religious events, traffic and security in several parts of Mumbai are already a major challenge. In such circumstances, the police have expressed apprehension that Jarange's agitation would add further to the crowds.
After the agitation permission was refused, it has now emerged that the police will send a notice to Manoj Jarange Patil. All eyes are now on what stance Jarange takes on this decision and what he decides going forward regarding his September 19 visit to Mumbai. The Maratha community, and the whole of Maharashtra, are now watching his next move.
