31 Oct 2023 | 09:12 AM UTC
India: Protests by Maratha groups across Maharashtra State prompting security measures as of Oct. 31
Maratha groups' protests underway in Maharashtra State, India, as of Oct. 31. Tight security, disruptions certain; violence, curfews likely.
Ongoing disruptive protests across Maharashtra State by activists from the Maratha community will almost certainly continue through at least early November. Organizers are holding fresh demonstrations over long-standing demands to extend job, education, and political reservation for all Marathas since Oct. 30. Recent protests including highway blockades have resulted in significant disruptions and violence, especially in the Marathwada region. Officials have suspended public bus operations at 30 depots mainly located within the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division from Oct. 31. Authorities are also enforcing an indefinite curfew and suspension of mobile internet services in parts of Beed District as of Oct. 31 after reports of arson and vandalism targeting legislators' homes; similar restrictions are possible in other areas if violence occurs.
Additional demonstrations including shutdown strikes are most likely in urban centers of the Marathwada region, such as Beed, Chhatrapati Shivaji Nagar (formerly known as Aurangabad), Jalna, Latur, Nanded, Osmanabad, and Parbhani, as well as other western divisions of Konkan and Pune. At least a few thousand participants are likely to join well-supported events. Potential protest venues include public squares, monuments, district headquarters, as well as offices and residences of politicians.
Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are certain near major rallies; authorities may tighten security around government buildings across Maharashtra State as a precuation. Police may use tear gas or water cannons to disperse unruly crowds. Activists may clash with security forces, mainly during attempts to storm government or political offices. Protesters are likely to march on or block roadways including inter-state highways, exacerbating transport disruptions; national highways serving Mumbai such as NH 48, 160, and 848 are most likely to be affected, prompting shipping disruptions. Local businesses may close as a safety precaution during planned demonstrations, or if significant clashes break out.
Avoid all protests and navigating roadblocks due to the threat of violence; confirm road status and plan for possible delays when attempting travel. Monitor trusted local media for updates on rallies and road conditions, as organizers may not announce demonstrations in advance. If any violence breaks out nearby, leave the area and seek shelter at a safe, nongovernment building. Heed all traffic and security advisories.
The politically influential Maratha community makes up over 30 percent of the population in Maharashtra State. Several Maratha groups have protested periodically in the past decades over the community's long-standing demand for job and education reservations. Following violent protests in 2018, the state government granted Marathas reservation under the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) Act. However, the Supreme Court of India ruled the decision as illegal, citing it breached existing reservation limits. Maratha groups have warned of indefinite protests until measures are undertaken to guarantee reservation for the community.
