MNS takes out rally to counter traders' protest in Mira Road near Mumbai; several workers detained

Police detain MNS workers at Mira Road. PIC/NIMESH DAVE

Tensions continue to escalate in Mira-Bhayandar following the assault of a sweet shop owner by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers for allegedly refusing to speak Marathi.

IN PHOTOS: MNS takes out rally to counter traders` protest in Mira Road near Mumbai; several workers detained

5 months agoPHOTO GALLERY

After traders in the area staged a protest on Saturday, Avinash Jadhav, the Thane-Palghar president of MNS, announced a counter-march on. Jadhav was detained in the early hours of Tuesday by the police.

"This is about respecting the state's identity," Jadhav said, alleging that the earlier protest was politically staged by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Narendra Mehta.

The MNS said its march would begin at the site of the assault and end at Mehta's office.

The Marathi Ekikaran Samiti has backed the protest, criticising those who conduct business in Maharashtra but hesitate to speak Marathi.

The police have detained several MNS leaders during the protest rally. CM Devendra Fadnavis said, "The police commissioner informed me that they were asked to change the route, however, they were adamant to take the same route."