Maratha outfits announce indefinite protest in Pune from August 20

The information was given by coordinator Shantaram Kunjir, Balasaheb Amrale, Tushar Kakde, Rekha Konde and Sushil Pawar in Pune.

Maharashtra bandh: Maratha agitators disrupt traffic, security upped in state

Govt has deployed 6 RAF companies, one each of CISF and SRPF at sensitive locations.

Sakal Maratha Samaj, an umbrella body of Maratha groups, said a 'bandh' would be observed across Maharashtra, except Navi Mumbai.

Over the last two weeks, the agitation has turned violent at a number of places and at least 6 pro-quota people have committed suicide.

The Marathas, that constitute around 30 per cent of the state's population, have been demanding 16 per cent reservation.

State party chief Raosaheb Danve said BJP govt was committed to providing reservation to Marathas, hence passed ordinance to the effect.

The decision was taken in wake of situation in areas like Kopar Khairane, which witnessed violence during Maratha quota protest yesterday.