31 December,2010 06:41 AM IST | | Varun Singh
If you are heading towards a historic fort in Maharashtra to celebrate New Year, it might be wise to leave your alcohol behind or face the ire of the saffron brigade.
Shiv Sainiks are all too aware that a large segment of the population in and around Mumbai prefer to party and celebrate the New Year at heritage sites, which include several popular forts in Maharashtra.
Localites and Shiv Sainiks will ensure that people do not carry or consume booze inside historic forts
Every year, large numbers of people visit these forts, but this year, a larger number of visitors are expected because the New Year will be celebrated across a long weekend.
The Shiv Sena and locals alike believe that consumption of alcohol within these forts is a sign of disrespect to the rich culture and heritage of their ancestors and should be stopped immediately.
The saffron brigade, together with the support of locals residing near popular forts all over the state, have decided to request visitors not to carry or consume alcohol at these sites.
To ensure that their demand is met, they will conduct baggage searches at forts' entry points.
Shiv Sena, executive president Uddhav Thackeray, said, "Our Shiv bhakts along with local support will request tourists going towards forts not to carry any alcohol.
Visitors will be informed that carrying alcohol into these forts is a sign of disrespect to the rich and varied culture of our ancestors, which will not be taken lightly."
"We are not against people celebrating the New Year; however, we do not want them to tarnish history and hence request them to do things the way it is supposed to be done," he added.
Anil Parab of the Shiv Sena also reiterated the words Thackeray.
