Mumbai: Shops and markets all over Maharashtra are likely to remain shut on Thursday in the wake of the bandh called by several organisations. While Maratha Kranti Morcha (MKM) has called for a statewide sit-in protest demanding reservation for Marathas, Dalit organisations have given a call for a nationwide protest. Many schools have decided to remain shut as a safety measure.

“Protesters must not take the law into their hands. The protest must be peaceful. No private or government vehicle should be touched during the bandh. Everyone must cooperate with police and all emergency services are excluded from the bandh. Protesters must not believe in any rumours on social media and must keep calm,” said a statement issued by the MKM in the city.

The bandh on Thursday will start at 8 am and end by 6 pm. Though there has been no official notification from the state education department, officials have asked schools to decide on their own. “Several areas in the city are sensitive and prone to riots so the officials could declare a holiday for schools to ensure the safety of students. But schools in other parts can carry on with their classes,” said a senior official.

But principals of city schools have decided to conduct morning sessions and will take a decision about conducting the afternoon session after examining the situation. Meanwhile, Pune, district collector Naval Kadam has declared a holiday on Thursday.

Dalit organisations will  be protesting against against the Supreme Court order on SC/ST atrocity act. They are planning a massive protest in North India, but have decided to keep it muted in Maharashtra.