In a display of solidarity and determination, leaders of the Dhangar community and members of the Dhangar Samaj Yuvak Sanghatana took to the Pune-Saswad road, staging a ‘rasta roko’ protest to draw attention to their longstanding demand for community reservation. The protest, held near Mantarwadi at around 5:30 pm on a Sunday, brought vehicular movement to a standstill for several hours.
The Call for Reservation:
Chanting slogans against the government, the protesters voiced their demand for reservation for the Dhangar community, a demand that has been pending for a significant period. The use of ‘rasta roko,’ a method of peaceful road blockage, aimed to convey the urgency and frustration felt by the community in the face of unmet promises.
Protesters strategically employed cattle, goats, and sheep to block the Pune-Saswad road, symbolically halting the normal flow of traffic. The heavy deployment of police forces in anticipation of the protest aimed to ensure the safety and prevent any untoward incidents during the demonstration.
Ghanyashyam Hake’s Statement:
Ghanyashyam Hake, the head of the Dhangar Samaj Yuvak Sanghatana, expressed the community’s disappointment, stating, “Reservation demand of our community is long pending. Every time, the government commits to fulfilling it, but we are still waiting for it. To condemn the government, here we have staged ‘rasta roko.'”
Hake emphasized that the protests are not limited to Pune alone; similar demonstrations are taking place in various cities to bring attention to the community’s reservation issue. The hope is that, this time, the government will take decisive action to fulfill their long-pending demand.
Traffic Disruptions and Public Impact:
The ‘rasta roko’ protest had significant repercussions on vehicular movement, causing disruptions in both directions on the Pune-Saswad road. Commuters faced extended delays, leading to long queues of vehicles as the Dhangar community made their voices heard through this impactful demonstration.
