Maharashtra Bandh Updates - Here's Everything We Know So Far

Tensions are high in Mumbai as the city simmers following the attack on members of Dalit groups in Bhima-Koregaon, Pune. During an event to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon violence broke out with one person losing their life and five others injured.

Individuals reportedly bearing saffron flags pelted stoned at those travelling to the rally with clashes breaking out between the two communities. Every New Year’s Day countless people gather at the war memorial, outside of Pune, to honour the victory of the final Anglo-Maratha battle where a large part of the British troops comprised of Mahar soldiers. Where one group views it as an act of the oppressed class against the Brahmin Peshwa-led Maratha empire the counter-protestors see it as a celebration of colonial rule and India’s defeat.

The angry Dalit sentiments resonated in Mumbai by Tuesday afternoon as protesters with blue flags halted a major railway line, shut down the highways and got several stores and establishments to shut shop. They demanded real action to be taken against the perpetrators in Pune that they believed to be affiliated with Right-wing groups and upper-caste Marathas.

It is being reported that Section 144 has been imposed in Thane, Mumbai, till January 4 and areas such as Aurangabad, Pune (Rural) and Ratnagiri have had their internet services suspended as a precautionary measure.

Police have been deployed across Mumbai to maintain peace and attempts to halt railways and traffic been thwarted following Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) leader Prakash Ambedkar’s call for a Maharashtra Bandh today; he is also the grandson of Dalit icon and leader B R Ambedkar. The bandh was a protest against the government’s “failure” to stop the violence at Bhima-Koregaon and Ambedkar insists it is a peaceful one.

Protestors are staging a rasta rokho (block the route) protest in areas of Mumbai city that include Thane, Goregaon and Virar. As of now, many shops remain shut in “sensitive areas” with CRPF on the ground to ensure the city runs smoothly. Public transport has taken a major hit and school buses are on halt for the time being. Security measures are also being taken at Ghatkopar’s Ramabai Colony following a gathering of protesters earlier. Mumbai’s Dabbawala Association decided to halt delivery services today due to the bandh and interstate bus services between Karnataka and Maharashtra have also reportedly been temporarily suspended.

Mumbai Police has told citizens to not “believe in rumours” and “verify facts with police officers and men before posting anything on social media” alluding to false news and scare tactics that get circulated on social networking platforms, namely Whatsapp. According to The Indian Express (as of 10:30 AM), protests are being staged “below Akurli bridge in Kandivali, Dindoshi near Santosh Naga, Kamraj Nagar, MIDC near Vijay Nagar (Jogeshwari), Arunkumar Vaidya Marg (Dindoshi Kumbharwada Junction). There are also traffic snarls reported from Worli Naka, Kherwadi Junction, Kalanagar and MMRDA Junction.”

Live updates are being posted by the Mumbai Police regarding disruptions and traffic updates, as well as publications such as The Indian Express and First Post.

Feature image via Zee News