AN Ilminster councillor was among a million people who marched in protest in India.

County councillor and Rotarian Linda Piggot-Vijeh took part in a Morcha, in which 1.2million people were expected to gather in silent protest against the reservation system imposed in the country 60 years ago.

Cllr Piggot-Vijeh said: “Little had I realised that on my first visit to Pune for six years, I would be actively participating in my first ever demonstration.

“I had planned to have lunch with Rotarian colleagues who had called to postpone our meeting until the evening on account of the demonstration, a Morcha, that was to take place in the city that day.

“There was widespread news of the chaos that would ensue with 18 roads closed and 7,000 police deployed to set up road blocks. ‘This is something I just have to see,’ I told my hosts who thought I was quite mad. I am not one given to demonstrating and had fully planned to pop along to have a quick look and make my exit.

“When I discovered the reasons for the demonstration I decided that I would join them to show my support and four hours later found myself caught up in one of the most profound experiences of my life.”

People of the Maratha caste were expected to gather and march in silent protest against the reservation system imposed by the government 60 years ago.

Intended to rectify the imbalance in social mobility, Cllr Piggot-Vijeh said it has meant that those of the Maratha caste feel that they are at an unfair disadvantage when pitching for jobs or educational placements.

“There was also concern about the recent rape and murder of a young girl in Kopardi that had received international publicity.

“The crowd, made up of all age groups and all professions, were intending to present a list of their demands to the government,” she added.

“I usually stay well clear of crowded places, so this was a big decision for me, to be surrounded by such a throng of people. I found it really emotional, and may well have been the only westerner there.

“To be there to witness the solidarity and discipline of the crowds, was truly awesome.

“Almost complete silence amongst more than one million people was unbelievable. This event is something that will stay in my memory forever.”