Why Did Police Detain MNS Workers in Mira-Bhayandar?

Mumbai, July 8 (NationPress) The police took action against members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, in the Mira-Bhayandar area after they attempted to organize a morcha concerning the Marathi language amidst their opposition to the implementation of Hindi as a medium of instruction from Grade 1 in Maharashtra.

The MNS workers took to the streets to challenge a morcha arranged by local traders.

Activists from MNS expressed their discontent regarding the police's decision to permit the traders' rally while rejecting theirs.

The traders had organized a protest following an incident where an MNS member reportedly assaulted a shopkeeper last week.

Numerous prominent leaders and officials of MNS were detained since Monday night.

MNS leader Avinash Jadhav was apprehended by law enforcement last night, and notices under Section 163 were directed to all MNS leaders.

Women activists from MNS took a leading role in expressing their outrage over the police actions.

One of the women activists questioned, "If permission was granted for a non-Marathi morcha, why not for us?"

Local resident Ruchita Jadhav voiced, “We don’t belong to any organization; we are just ordinary citizens. The Marathi language should be spoken by everyone. Why oppose it? We understand Hindi and English, but when Gujarati and Marwari individuals declare 'Jai Gujarat', do we turn a blind eye?”

Another activist stated, "We don’t focus on caste or religion. We coexist in society. Why oppose the use of Marathi? It’s essential for our identity as Marathi people, descendants of Shivaji."

However, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis justified the police's refusal to grant permission to the MNS.

He explained, "MNS leaders were intentionally seeking a route that would lead to conflict. The police suggested a traditional route, but MNS insisted on their chosen path, resulting in the denial of their request for the morcha."

“Everyone is welcome to organize a morcha in the state. However, if it poses a risk to law and order, it is unacceptable. We aim for unity and development in the state. If the morcha had been organized along an appropriate route, it would have been permitted. Permissions can be granted today or tomorrow,” added CM Fadnavis.

Yogesh Kadam, Minister of State for Home, mentioned concerns regarding potential law and order issues at the location MNS sought to use for their morcha.

“Thus, we suggested they change the venue and assured them of permission for the morcha. Yet, they were unwilling to alter the location. We remain ready to grant permission. We must adhere to legal guidelines and ensure there are no disturbances,” he stated.

Ultimately, MNS maintained its stance, leading to the police granting permission for the morcha, and the activists were later released.