Mumbai: Mumbai's shop owners are angry and their wrath is directed not at the MNS for now, but towards the state government. Starting today, the Federation of Retail Traders' Welfare Association (FRTWA) will write to the five lakh retailers and shopkeepers in the city, telling them that the government is incompetent and cannot protect them.

This anger stems from the recent attacks on shops by MNS activists, demanding that signboards be changed to Marathi.

"If this NCP and Congress-led government cannot protect us, what is the point in voting for them? Vandals have taken over. They are holding us to ransom and the government is doing nothing about it. The shopkeepers can decide for themselves what is to be done in the future after taking into account all that's happening now," said FRTWA joint secretary Viren Shah.

The letter will also ask shopkeepers to make arrangements to fend for themselves.

Added Shah, "We are not against using Marathi on signboards. We have Maharashtrian customers and respect for Marathi people and their culture. But they cannot dictate to us the font must be used for the Marathi signboard. The issue about the font and its usage on shops is already being heard in the high court. How can the MNS tell us what we have to do?"

Roopam owner scared

Viren Shah, who owns Roopam at the Crawford Market, fears for his life and has employed private bodyguards. He also carries a firearm, following the threats to his life. "The police are not providing me with security despite several requests. But I have my own security guards and also carry a licenced revolver," said Shah.