Maratha Reservation Morcha: Protesters Continue Demands as Traffic Flow Improves in South Mumbai

Strategic Insights -

Tens of thousands of protesters continued to demand reservation for the Maratha community in South Mumbai on Saturday, despite the somewhat improved traffic flow in the area. The protest, led by activist Manoj Jarange, drew support from various groups, including the Muslim community. While the protesters remained firm in their demands, they also engaged in exploratory activities, visiting art galleries, shopping in commercial areas, and distributing food packets and water.

Key Takeaways:

  • Approximately 30,000 protesters from across the state descended upon South Mumbai on Friday, with a significant number remaining in the area on Saturday.
  • The protest site at Azad Maidan saw activists bathing, cooking, and preparing meals from dawn till dusk, with food being distributed from a truck and water being supplied from tankers.
  • Despite the protest, traffic flow in South Mumbai improved significantly on Saturday, with roads partially opened for traffic and major disruptions minimal.
  • The BMC provided basic facilities, including gravel paved entry paths, high-intensity electric lights, water tankers, sanitation personnel, medical aid centers, and public toilets, in response to protester complaints.
  • Protesters from various districts, including Marathwada and Vidarbha, converged on South Mumbai, with some even staying overnight at Cidco Exhibition Centre in Vashi and APMC market yard.
  • Local businesses, including Crawford Market, suffered greatly due to the protest, with some stores reporting a loss of 95% in business.
  • The administration took measures to mitigate the impact, with the district collector deploying additional personnel and providing support to protesters.

Statistics:

  • 30,000 protesters from across the state descended upon South Mumbai on Friday.
  • 1,200 traffic police officers have been deployed in South Mumbai, the Freeway, and Coastal Road to manage the traffic flow.
  • 110 water tankers supplied drinking water to the protesters, while 500 sanitation personnel maintained continuous cleaning activity at Azad Maidan.
  • 4 medical teams and 2 ambulances were operational 24/7 to provide medical aid to protesters.
  • 300 public toilets were made available free of charge in and around the protest site.
  • 10 security guards were deployed at a marquee store in South Mumbai as a precautionary measure.

Sources:

  • Times of India: "Maratha reservation morcha takes a breather, traffic flow in S Mumbai improves"
  • Times of India: "Maratha reservation morcha day 2: Protesters bathe, cook, prepare meals on streets near Azad Maidan"