Maratha quota spearhead Jarange seeks dismissal of policemen responsible for Jalna lathi charge

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange demands dismissal of police personnel responsible for lathi-charging peaceful protesters from the community in Jalna. He also calls for disclosure of those who ordered the lathicharge. Jarange has given a deadline of Dec 24 for his demands to be met, and hints at taking the agitation to Mumbai.

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Wednesday said Marathas will not sit quietly until the police personnel responsible for lathi-charging peaceful protesters from the community in Jalna district in September are dismissed from service.

Addressing a rally of Maratha community members at Igatpuri in Nashik district, Mr. Jarange demanded that the names of those who had ordered the lathi-charge be disclosed.

“We were observing a peaceful protest (for Maratha quota) at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district but police personnel charged at us and beat us with lathis. Later, a case was filed against us (Maratha protesters) on charges of conspiracy and attempt to murder among others," Mr. Jarange said recalling the incident which occurred on September 1.

Until the policemen involved in lathi-charge are dismissed from service, the Maratha community from our village or from across Maharashtra will not be at peace, he said.

“There was a temple of Lord Hanuman near our protest site. However, the police invoked charges such as obstructing the functioning of government work. Is the temple part of government?” he asked.

Mr. Jarange demanded that police officials disclose the names of those who had ordered lathi charge.

“If officials tell us the names, they will be free and we will confront the concerned officers. It does not matter who the officer is (who gave the order for lathicharge),” he said.