Several members of the Dalit and Muslim communities on Tuesday morning staged a protest here to highlight various pressing demands, including the awarding of land rights.
United under the banner of Bahujan Republican Socialist Party, the protesters initially carried out a rally from Bhadkal Gate to the office of Aurangabad divisional commissioner. The march then converted into a sit-in protest, which saw agitators holding placards and raising slogans in support of their demands.
Suresh Mane, who was leading the protest, said land rights need to be awarded to weaker sections, who are dwelling on government lands, such as gairan, gaothan and forest land till 2020.
"The landless weaker elements residing on any such plot are its true owners. Instead of evicting them, the government should award these lands to them," he said.
They also demanded five percent reservation in education for Muslims and restoration of minority scholarships. "With the annual budget out soon, we demand satisfactory allocation for Marathwada," Mane said, adding that their protest will be stepped up if demands are not heard.
Source: Times of India0 COMMENTS
