Muslims mobilise in Marathwada for reservation

The protests, led by Muslim Aarakshan Sangharsh Kruti Samiti — an umbrella organisation of all Muslim political, social and religious organisations — have demanded 10 per cent reservation for Muslims and the protection of Muslim Personal Law, among other privileges.

Marathwada has the second highest concentration of Muslims in Maharashtra after Mumbai. Muslims, who make up 11.5 per cent of Maharashtra’s population, constitute over 15 per cent of Marathwada’s population. One of every third person in the eight major cities and towns of Marathwada is a Muslim.

“These are peaceful silent marches to pressurise the government for our demands. These are not political rallies but a movement that has grown from the community,” a convenor of the Muslim Aarakshan Sangharsh Kruti Samiti said.