September 12th 2023.
Manoj Jarange, a Maratha quota activist, has been on an indefinite hunger strike since August 29 at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district of central Maharashtra. He is demanding reservation in jobs and education for the Maratha community under the OBC category.
On Tuesday, Jarange reiterated his commitment to continue his fast until the state government comes with an order offering reservation to the Maratha community.
In response to this, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde called for an all-party meeting in Mumbai on Monday. At the meeting, Shinde announced the withdrawal of police cases filed against pro-Maratha reservation protesters in Jalna district, the epicentre of the latest round of stir on the issue. He also announced the suspension of three police officials involved in lathi-charge on quota agitators in Jalna earlier this month.
State minister Sandipan Bhumre, Shiv Sena leader Arjun Khotkar, and Hindutva leader Sambhaji Bhide all met Jarange and requested him to withdraw his fast. However, he maintained that he would continue his protest until there is a concrete decision from the state government.
Shinde stated that the state government needs some time to complete the procedure to make decisions. He also pointed out that a five-member panel headed by Justice Sandeep Shinde has been set up to determine the Standard Operating Procedure, including legal and administrative framework, for giving caste certificates to Maratha community members.
The CM appealed to Jarange to end his hunger strike, emphasizing that the government is working towards giving quota to the Maratha community. He said, "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. I appeal to protesting people to end their agitation. Jarange is not making any personal demands...he is doing it for his community, but it will take some time for the issue to be resolved."
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