Mumbai: The Nationalist Cong-ress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar appealed to Maratha protesters to maintain peace and harmony in the state. In a statement issued on Saturday, Mr Pawar has urged Maratha protesters not to take law into their hands and see that no harm takes place to state’s industrial area. The veteran politician also blamed state government for trying to create a rift between Maratha and other communities for political gains.

“The decision on Maratha reservation should be taken without having any prejudice and without disturbing those who have received reservation under the Constit-ution. Similarly, during protest, incidents of violence — stone pelting and torching private or public property — should be avoided,” said Mr Pawar.

In his statement NCP chief has also mentioned the legacy of king Shivaji of bringing all the communities together.