Clean-up begins at Manoj Jarange’s quota stir site in Mumbai after clear-out order

MAHARASTRA,SEP 2 : The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) swung into action after the Bombay High Court came down heavily on activist Manoj Jarange over the Maratha quota agitation that brought Mumbai to a standstill and ordered protestors to vacate streets by Tuesday noon.

Police also issued notices to Jarange and his core committee to clear out of the Azad Maidan protest site, citing violations of conditions laid down for the agitation.

According to police, Jarange’s protest at Azad Maidan had violated multiple pre-agitation conditions laid down under court guidelines, including obstructing roads with trucks, cars and protesters. Officials said notices were issued after taking note of his public statements and breach of terms.

In a late-night drive, BMC carried out a “deep cleaning” of the Azad Maidan area. “Deep cleaning of roads outside Azad Maidan done,” the civic body said in a statement.

The Solid Waste Management Department deployed a skid steer loader (Bobcat), two mini compactors and one large compactor to clear waste and restore normalcy. BMC workers also joined the mechanical operation, officials said.

The civic body said it would continue efforts to clean and reopen the area for the public.

On Tuesday, traffic movement was severely restricted outside Azad Maidan, where both side roads were clogged with trucks, cars and protesters.

While some supporters were seen packing up to leave, others remained defiant. A few were even spotted dancing on the street early on Tuesday.

Jarange’s hunger strike at Azad Maidan entered its fifth day on Tuesday as he continued to demand inclusion of the Maratha community in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category for reservation benefits.

After the High Court’s stinging rebuke, the activist, visibly weakened after giving up food and water, told his supporters to behave and follow the rules.

 “Follow the high court’s orders. Don’t trouble Mumbaikars. Don’t roam on streets, park vehicles in designated areas. Those who don’t want to listen to me can return to their villages,” Jarange said.

He, however, asserted that he would leave Mumbai only after the community secured reservation.

Jarange has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan since August 29, pressing for a 10 per cent reservation to the Maratha community in government jobs and education under the OBC category.

On Monday, the Bombay High Court noted that the Maratha quota stir had “literally paralysed” Mumbai. The bench noted the protesters had not remained at Azad Maidan – the designated place for the agitation – and blocked several vital areas like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Churchgate railway station and Marine Drive.

“The situation is grim and the city of Mumbai has been practically brought to a standstill,” the court said.

It said it was giving Jarange and his supporters an “opportunity” to restore normalcy by vacating the streets.

-PTI