Caste Clashes Choke Up Mumbai’s Harbour Line

Mumbai's Harbour Line was blocked by protesters today (Tuesday) as clashes between Dalit and Maratha communities, following the anniversary celebrations of Mahars victory over Peshwas, turned violent.

The incident occurred a day after one person died when clashes broke out between villagers from Koregaon Bhima, Pabal and Shikrapur and a large group of people celebrating the 1 January 1818, victory of British troops, of which the Mahar community was a part, over Peshwa Bajirao II's army in Koregaon Bhima.

It was compounded by a ‘rail roko’ and a ‘raasta roko’ in Chembur. The Harbour Line was affected due to a 'rail roko' near Govandi-Chembur. Chembur is a railway station on the Harbour Line of the Mumbai suburban railway network. Ramadai Highway also witnessed jam due to the protests.

Protesters also attempted 'raasta roko' in Mulund, Chembur, Bhandup, Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar and Nehru Nagar in Kurla. In Chembur and Mulund, protesters have been forcing a shutdown.

Twenty five vehicles were also torched and over 50 vehicles were damaged.