Efficient Police Management Keeps Maratha Protest Peaceful in Mumbai's Azad Maidan

The Maratha protest led by Manoj Jarange in Mumbai was peaceful due to effective police management. Despite large crowds, no incidents occurred during the five-day demonstration at Azad Maidan.

Thousands of Maratha community members gathered in south Mumbai for a protest led by Manoj Jarange, demanding reservation. Despite the large turnout, the police managed the situation efficiently, ensuring peace throughout the five-day event. The protest took place at Azad Maidan, near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation building, without any reported incidents.

Jarange began his hunger strike on August 29, advocating for Maratha reservation. He ended it on Tuesday after the state government agreed to most of his demands. Protesters from across Maharashtra came to support him, causing traffic jams in south Mumbai during peak hours. Many protesters camped inside the CSMT complex, sleeping on mats spread on platforms.

Police Preparedness and Crowd Management

The Mumbai police had anticipated the protests and coordinated with Jarange's core team to manage the crowd effectively. Over 1,500 police officers were deployed at Azad Maidan, supported by units from CRPF, CISF, RAF, SRPF, Riot Control Police, and Maharashtra Security Force. Initially, permission was granted for a one-day protest with 5,000 participants.

However, as the protests commenced, over 60,000 people arrived in 8,000 vehicles, blocking roads leading to the site. This led to traffic diversions in south Mumbai. The police monitored the situation using CCTV cameras and drones to maintain order.

Protesters' Activities and Police Response

Protesters were reluctant to leave Azad Maidan until their demands were met. They occasionally blocked roads and engaged in activities like dancing and cooking on the streets. Senior officers like Joint Commissioner of Police Satya Narayan Choudhary and Additional CP Abhinav Deshmukh were present to manage the situation.

At one point, DCP Pravin Mundhe made a video call to Jarange, who urged protesters to cooperate with the police. This helped ease tensions as protesters moved aside. Despite various groups demonstrating at locations like Mantralaya and Marine Drive, police maintained control and advised caution.

Legal Intervention and Court Orders

The Bombay High Court noted that Mumbai was nearly paralysed due to the agitation violating conditions. The court gave Jarange and his supporters until Tuesday noon to clear streets. It warned of action if Azad Maidan wasn't vacated by 3 pm on Tuesday.

The court also instructed authorities to act against Jarange for breaching conditions. Consequently, police denied extending the protest by another day and asked Jarange's team to vacate Azad Maidan promptly.

Efforts to Restore Order

The situation intensified when the court ordered roads cleared by 3 pm. Senior police officials urged protesters to remove vehicles from roads near Azad Maidan and CSMT station. Announcements were made for vehicles to be parked in Navi Mumbai instead.

Once protesters vacated Azad Maidan, Joint Commissioner of Police Satyanarayan Choudhary visited to commend police personnel for their efforts. "All of you gave your best," he said. A senior officer remarked that despite the large gathering, the situation remained under control due to skilful handling by police.

With inputs from PTI