Members of the Maratha community Saturday staged road blockade protests in Latur demanding the implementation of a draft notification on the issuance of OBC certificates to “blood relatives” of Kunbi Marathas on a call given by quota leader Manoj Jarange.

Demonstrations were held at various locations between 11 am to 1 pm, newswire PTI reported. Protesters parked their vehicles on the roads and raised slogans against the government including the chief minister and two deputy chief ministers.

“All members of the Maratha community from Marathwada should be given Kunbi certificates as mentioned in the Hyderabad Gazette. They must be inducted into the OBC category,” they demanded.

During an agitation held on the Barshi Road, a youth attempted to set himself on fire by pouring kerosene. A potential tragedy was averted as police detained him.

Meanwhile, resident doctors of Vilasrao Deshmukh Government Medical College and Hospital in Latur started an indefinite strike on Saturday over several demands, including better hostel accommodation and hike in stipend.

Also read: Mumbai police detain five supporters of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange

The strike is part of a statewide stir, a functionary of the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) said.

“A total of 180 resident doctors of Vilasrao Deshmukh Government Medical College and Hospital are on strike. Stipend should come into the bank accounts by the 10th of every month. Hostel accommodation should be improved,” he said. (With inputs from PTI) 

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