PUNE: The Ramoshi community, which has a population of around 50 to 60 lakh, has demanded reservation under the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category. 

The Jai Malhar Kranti Sanghatna, an outfit that claims to represent the community, made the demand at a press conference held in the city on Friday. 

The Ramoshi community, according to the statement issued by the organisation, is also known as the Berad and Bedar community and is a revolutionary community which participated in the freedom struggle. 

Umaji Naik, who belonged to the community, according to the statement, was the first to fight against the British rule and paid with his life for the country and having multiple such legacies behind them, the community has not been given an ear by the government.

The community, like the Dhangars, has said that it has been included in the ST Schedule in more than 10 states, giving similar community members in those states the protection of ST reservations. But in Maharashtra, the Berad Ramoshi community has been included in the Nomadic Tribes and Nomadic Castes list and hence, is not covered under the ST category.

The sanghatna, has said that it demands the inclusion of the Berads in the ST list and has asked the State government to request the Central government for the same. 

The Jai Malhar Kranti Sanghatna has also said that it will hold a protest on August 9 at the District Collector’s office and rasta roko across the State of Maharashtra will be organised on August 16.