22 Feb 2024 | 06:30 AM UTC
India: Reservation activists plan daily road blockades across Maharashtra State from Feb. 24
Activists plan to stage protests and daily road blocks across Maharashtra State, India, from Feb. 24. Transport disruptions likely.
Activists from the Maratha community plan to hold renewed protests and road blockades across Maharashtra State from Feb. 24. Organizers announced plans for non-violent road blocks along district roads and national highways statewide daily between 10:30-13:00 and 16:00-19:00. Protests will also occur at District Collectorate offices across the state from March 3. Organizers could call for other actions, such as hunger strikes. While turnout remains unclear, hundreds to a thousand supporters could attend each event; areas with traditionally higher support, such as Antarwali Sarathi village in Jalna, and the cities of Ahmednagar, Beed, Mumbai, and Pune, could receive at least a few thousand supporters. Additional unannounced solidarity rallies are possible across the state.
Security forces will almost certainly deploy to monitor blocked roads and escort government vehicles. Police may tighten security around government buildings across Maharashtra State as a precaution, and deploy to potential protest venues. Previous rallies have prompted mass arrests and clashes between activists and police. Security personnel used batons and tear gas to disperse crowds during well-attended gatherings in 2023.
The Pune-Solapur and Solapur-Hyderabad sections of National Highway (NH) 65, as well as several Maharashtra Major State Highway (MH MSH), including MH MSH 1, 3, 6, 9, 10, and 11, face the highest risk of traffic disruptions. Police may impose traffic restrictions, including security cordons, diversions, and road closures around government offices. Increased congestion and demand for public transport are also likely as a large number of attendees arrive at and leave protest sites. Local businesses may close as a precaution during planned demonstrations or if significant clashes occur. Enhanced measures such as temporary controls on movement, telecommunications, and mobile internet services are possible in the event of significant violence.
Confirm all deliveries, road status, and transport reservations from Feb. 24; seek alternative shipping routes for time-sensitive consignments. Avoid all protests as a precaution; if clashes break out, depart the area immediately for a secure nongovernmental building. Plan for possible travel delays within Maharashtra. Carry proper identification documents during travel. Do not navigate any roadblocks as protesters may react violently. Monitor trusted local media for updates on protest details, as organizers may not announce them in advance. Heed all security and traffic advisories.
The action is part of a series of demonstrations that have occurred across Maharashtra State over long-standing demands to guarantee Other Backward Class (OBC) caste certificates to all Marathas. While the local government passed a bill Feb. 20 to give 10 percent reservation quota to the community, activists are demanding the government guarantee OBC cast certifications for all Marathas, including those who are related to Marathas by blood and/or same-caste marriage.
