Vasai residents, especially members of the NGO Kille Vasai Mohim, are up in arms against the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The NGO, which works for the conservation of forts in Thane, celebrated Diwali by lighting more than 25,000 wick lamps on the fort in the memory of Marathas who sacrificed their lives while fighting to save it from the Portuguese.

The ASI had written to the NGO saying the fort was a 'protected monument of national importance,' and so those celebrating religious festivals or public functions there without permission would be punished. But, the NGO president says the members will protest against the ASI at the fort itself, on December 15 and 16.