14 August,2026 04:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The disability rights activists have sought a concrete decision on applications pending for changes in business locations. Representational Pic/File
A protest by disabled residents of Mumbra in Thane district of Maharashtra over livelihood rights and access to authorised business spaces has been temporarily suspended until August 16, an official statement said on Friday.
The protest was focused on demands including official spaces for businesses run by disabled people, pending requests for relocation of business spaces, alleged selective action by authorities and equal enforcement of rules, it said.
According to the organisers, the assistant commissioner of the Thane Municipal Corporation's Mumbra ward committee has assured them that the administration would consider their demands and take appropriate action.
The organisers said they had decided to temporarily withdraw the agitation planned for August 15 in view of the administration's assurance.
The civic administration had also appealed to the protesters not to undertake any action that could put their lives at risk.
However, the organisers stressed that the issue had not been resolved and that the suspension of the protest was only temporary.
The disability rights activists have sought a concrete decision on applications pending for changes in business locations.
They have also demanded verification of the official status and administrative records of the businesses concerned.
Among their other demands are:
- An impartial inquiry into alleged selective action.
- A comparative report on action taken against businesses operating under similar circumstances.
- Safe, accessible and business-friendly alternative spaces for disabled people.
- A joint meeting between civic officials, disability representatives and the administration.
- A written decision and Action Taken Report (ATR), rather than verbal assurances.
The organisers said they wanted equal application of the law irrespective of who had lodged a complaint.
The protesters said their campaign was not directed against any political party.
They said disabled citizens wanted rights, dignity and opportunities for independent livelihoods, rather than sympathy.
The organisers have given the administration until August 16 to find a satisfactory solution to the pending issues.
The organisers warned that if no concrete solution is reached by August 16, the agitation could be intensified.
They said any further protest would remain peaceful, constitutional, legal and democratic. Possible measures include a sit-in protest, hunger strike, press conferences, use of the Right to Information Act, complaints to senior authorities and legal action.
The protesters reiterated their demand for written decisions, equal enforcement of laws, transparent administration and time-bound action on issues affecting disabled business owners.
