Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Sept 2: National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Tuesday issued a stern warning to Maratha quota protesters in Mumbai after multiple complaints emerged about harassment of women journalists covering the ongoing agitation. Responding to a formal complaint from the TV Journalists Association, Mumbai, Rahatkar said that the right to protest must not come at the cost of others' dignity or safety.
Taking to social media platform X, the NCW chief stated that journalists—particularly women—had reported being pushed, having their clothes pulled, and boom mics snatched by aggressive protestors during coverage. “Such behaviour towards journalists and cameramen, who are doing their duty in difficult conditions including heavy rains, is unacceptable,” Rahatkar said.
She urged protestors to exercise their right to protest peacefully without causing mental distress or physical inconvenience to others. While acknowledging the movement’s significance, she stressed the need for boundaries and respect for media personnel.
Rahatkar also backed activist Manoj Jarange-Patil’s earlier appeal urging his supporters to exercise restraint and respect journalists. “His advice is appropriate, and the agitators should take it seriously,” she added.
In a detailed letter addressed to Jarange-Patil and shared with the NCW, the TV Journalists Association described repeated instances of women journalists being surrounded, touched inappropriately, and subjected to lewd remarks. The letter, dated August 31, also accused activists of forcibly interfering with media coverage, despite reporters working long hours and under difficult weather conditions.
The situation also caught the attention of the Bombay High Court, which pulled up the Maharashtra government for its failure to clear over 5,000 vehicles brought by protestors that are now choking city roads. In a separate move, Mumbai Police issued a notice to Jarange-Patil to vacate Azad Maidan, citing repeated violations of protest conditions by his supporters.
The developments underscore growing tensions surrounding the Maratha reservation agitation, now drawing scrutiny not just for its demands but also its conduct.