THANE: NCP (SP) chief

Sharad Pawar

expressed concern over the potential for Manipur-like disturbances in Maharashtra and called for maintaining unity. At a

Social Unity

Conference in Mumbai, Pawar he Centre’s handling of the

ethnic strife

in Manipur, which has claimed several lives since last May and said there was concern that similar social disturbances could occur in Maharashtra.

Pawar didn’t specify the reason for his assessment. However, the remarks come days after he flagged the “rift” among communities over the

Maratha-OBC quota

tussle.
Responding to the senior Pawar’s latest remarks, state unit of BJP’s Chandrashekar Bawankule said Pawar’s remarks are inappropriate and said it contained “language that could instigate riots.”
Pawar said the current scenario is alarming while accusing Centre of failing to take effective steps to address these issues. He repeatedly highlighted Manipur in his speech.