Prohibitory orders imposed in Jalna, Ambad over Dhangar agitation; heavy police deployment in place

District Collector Ashima Mittal issued the orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), citing concerns over public safety and the possibility of unrest. The restrictions will be in force from 5 am to midnight on Sunday in Jalna and Ambad tehsils, which are seen as epicentres of reservation-related protests.

VIDEO | Jalna, Maharashtra: Curfew has been imposed in Jalna and Ambad cities following protests by the Dhangar community. Heavy police deployment is in place in the Mukteshwar Dwar area, where Dhangar leader Deepak Borhade resides, to maintain law and order.#Jalna #Maharashtra… pic.twitter.com/JR2z8MWn6g

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Under the order, gatherings of more than five persons and the carrying of arms have been banned, while all shops, business establishments and educational institutions have been directed to remain closed.

The move follows police denial of permission to Dhangar community leader Deepak Borhade to hold a protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. Authorities said Borhade and his supporters were likely to travel to Mumbai from several parts of the state, including Ambad, Jamkhed, Pachod, Paithan Naka, Pandharpur, Sangola and Pune, raising fears of law and order issues.

The Dhangar community, traditionally engaged in shepherding and cattle-rearing, accounts for nearly 9 per cent of Maharashtra’s population. It currently enjoys 3.5 per cent reservation under the Nomadic Tribes (NT-C) category within the OBCs, but has been demanding ST status, arguing that Dhangars and “Dhangads”, who are listed as a Scheduled Tribe in the Constitution, are the same.