MNS to duck Muslim areas for pro-CAA rally

Mumbai: The Mumbai police has denied permission to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) to carry out a protest march from Byculla to Azad Maidan on February 9 in support of the Citizenship Amendment Act  (CAA) citing sensitivity, as the stretch is predominantly Muslim dominated.

The police, however, has permitted the MNS to hold a rally from Marine Drive to Azad Maidan instead.

The MNS is in support of identification and deportation of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Pakistan. Amidst these developments, the party has also put up posters in Navi Mumbai threatening “MNS-style” agitation, against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.

The police denied permission on the grounds of possible law and order situation, which could emerge if the party marched through the Muslim-dominated localities.

Following due deliberations, the party has accepted the new route and the march will now be carried out from Marine Drive in south Mumbai.

“Citing the current circumstances, the proposed route was not accepted for carrying out the protest march. There were questions on the security of the MNS functionaries so the route was tweaked,” said a police officer.

The police will provide  watertight security and take all steps to ensure no untoward incident takes place, the officer added.

“The police has permitted a rally on this route since it is shorter compared to the earlier one and also avoids Muslim-dominated areas,” said senior MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar.

“The rally is against illegal migrants. It shouldn’t be interpreted as being in favour of the CAA or NRC,” Mr Nandgaonkar said.

The party has started awareness campaigns on the new route and has put up several posters and banners across the city.

The MNS chief had clarified last week that his statements against illegal migrants were misconstrued as being in favour of the CAA and NRC.