Shiv Sena firm on disrupting Kasuri’s book launch in Mumbai, state assures ‘full security’ to Pakistan dignitary

Watch Video: Attack On Sudheendra Kulkarni By Shiv Sena Activists – An Analysis

READ: Sudheendra Kulkarni attacked by Sena activists ahead of Kasuri book launch; ‘It’s a mild reaction’

The party claimed that the only way the programme could be allowed in Mumbai was if Kasuri paid homage to
all the martyred Indian soldiers who had died in India-Pakistan conflict.

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“We cannot allow Pakistanis to hold functions here when our countrymen and soldiers are being killed by them. We may consider allowing the function if he pays tribute to our martyred soldiers and condemns the activities of Pakistan,” Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said.

The organisers of the programme, Observer Research Foundation (ORF), on the other hand, has written a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asking him to ensure that additional security is provided so that the Sena’s threat to disrupt the function gets thwarted. Sudhendra Kulkarni of ORF also met Sena President Uddhav Thackeray at his residence Matoshree asking him to allow the programme to go ahead.

“Satish Sawhney of Nehru Centre and I met Uddhav Thackeray and told him that the Shiv Sena has the right to protest against the function peacefully. We also told him that the Sena should respect our right to hold this function,” Kulkarni said.

The Sena has however given no assurance that it would relent. Kulkarni however maintained that the programme will take place despite Sena’s opposition. “The Shiv Sena’s threat is unlawful. The Shiv Sena has every right to peacefully protest against the function, but no right whatsoever to coercively disrupt the function or demand its cancellation,” a press release issued by ORF states.

The Sena’s insistence on disrupting the function has placed it in direct confrontation with the BJP and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who also heads the Home department. The BJP has claimed that there is no harm in Pakistani artistes or dignitaries coming to Maharashtra. In fact, senior BJP Leader L K Advani was a prominent guest at Kasuri’s book launch function held in New Delhi.

“It is the responsibility of our government to provide security for all foreign dignitaries and diplomats who are allowed on proper visa in our country. Hence, Kasuri will be provided total security,” Fadnavis said.

Fadnavis, however, added that it did not mean that all views expressed in the programme would be endorsed by his government.

“This does not mean that we endorse all views expressed by our guest during the programme. No anti-India propaganda will be tolerated through any such programme. If found so, the organizers would be held responsible,” Fadnavis added.

The Mumbai police, meanwhile, have stated that they will increase protection around the site of the programme.
“We have made adequate security arrangements to ensure that the event ends peacefully,” Mumbai police commissioner Ahmad Javed said.

After forcing the cancellation of Ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali’s show in Mumbai, the Shiv Sena has decided to
escalate its protests against visiting Pakistani dignitaries across the country.