Maratha morcha gets huge response in Amravati

Amravati: The silent outcry by the Maratha community reached the state government’s ears loud and clear as reportedly lakhs of protesters, in an unprecedented show of solidarity, gathered at Nehru maidan here and reached the Government Girls High School square to condemn the government policies.
Demanding capital punishment for the culprits of Kopardi incident, amendments to Atrocities Act, implementation of Swaminathan Commission, reservations, and fair price for agro produce among others, the Maratha Kranti morcha set an example of discipline.Rest of the city too joined in, keeping markets, schools and colleges voluntarily closed.
Many government officers and employees belonging to the community took leave while women thronged to the protest venue in large numbers with their kids to show solidarity.
The march began at 12 noon from Nehru maidan with the participants wearing Gandhi caps, waving saffron flags and holding placards listing their demands.
Organizers claimed around 3.50 lakh protesters from all parts of the district took part in the march.
Vehicular traffic remained blocked on all city roads. City buses were off the roads while heavy vehicles entering the city were diverted.
Though political leaders were not allowed to take the stage, guardian minister Pravin Pote and state home minister Ranjit Patil were present in the rally.
En route to the collectorate, the morcha was halted at Government Girls High School. Four girls then entered the collectorate and submitted a memorandum to district collector Kiran Gitte.
Muslim and other social organizations joined hands to support the morcha. About 1,000 volunteers from these organizations helped the participants.