NCP workers blocks roads,shut shops

Malls and shops downed their shutters in different parts of the city in the afternoon fearing a backlash by party workers. Keya Muriya was at High Street Phoenix when the mall authorities came and requested shops to shut. “By 6:30 pm most of the shops had shut and the lights were switched off. However,we did not face any problems,” said Muriya.

NCP stronghold Navi Mumbai too felt the brunt. Vashi’s InOrbit Mall too decided to play it safe and reportedly turned patrons away. “Sixty per cent of the shops in Shivaji Chowk were shut and the roads were deserted as no one wanted to venture out,” said Rone amesh Pandit.

Senior police officers said they had to respond quickly to the situation to ensure the protests did not spread. The police also detained the party workers for forcibly halting traffic in the city.

“Our officers rushed to the spots and stopped NCP workers from spreading the protest. As many as 200 of them were detained for forcibly halting traffic. The situation is now under control,but we are still trying to ensure that there is heavy police presence on the road,” said Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Rajnish Seth.

“We are keeping a close watch on the situation. Officers of DCP,ACP and Senior Police Inspector ranks have been told to ensure that law and order remains in their jurisdiction. They are out on the streets and checking for any acts of lawlessness,” Seth said.

Meanwhile,the Sikh community has condemned the assault on Pawar. In a letter sent by the general secretary of the Gurdwara Dhanpothohar Nagar,the community has said the youth who assaulted Pawar should be given the harshest punishment. “We condemn the attack and have nothing to do with it. We demand harsh punishment for the offender,” said general secretary S Dilmeet Singh Chandhok. No attacks on Sikhs have been reported so far.