CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: The Beed district administration has imposed prohibitory orders until September 27 in response to ongoing agitations led by activist Manoj Jarange, who is on an indefinite fast in Antarwali Sarati village of Jalna district,about 75 kilometers from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar since September 16. 

This is the sixth indefinite hunger strike by Jarange over the past year. He is demanding reservations for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. Jarange told reporters that the Maharashtra government was intentionally withholding reservations for the Marathas and that the community was giving Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis 'one more chance' to meet their demands, just months ahead of the Assembly elections in Maharashtra.

The prohibitory orders, effective from September 14, restrict the gathering of five or more persons for any agitation or procession without prior permission from the authorities and aim to maintain law and order amidst escalating tensions. Additionally, carrying weapons, sticks, swords, stones, or explosives in public places is strictly prohibited.

The Beed administration's release highlighted the potential for law and order issues due to the agitations. "There is a chance that a problem of law and order may arise over any small reason. Hence, to maintain law and order, prohibitory orders are imposed in Beed from September 14 to 27," the release stated. These restrictions, imposed under Section 37 (1) and (3) of the Mumbai Police Act, exempt government employees, police, marriage ceremonies, funerals, and religious events with special permissions.

Meanwhile, on the other hand, OBC leader Laxman Hake also commenced his indefinite fast in Wadi Godri village of Jalna on Thursday to counter Jarange's agitation and to put forth the demand that their quota should not be disturbed.