Protect migrants in Maharashtra: Patil to Govt

New Delhi, Feb 6: Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today said that the Maharashtra Government has been asked to see that no individual or group of persons is intimidated, attacked or their properties are targeted and damaged.

In a statement issued here, Patil said, "The State Government has to take necessary action against the miscreants indulging in such activities without delay and to provide protection to those who may need it or may be vulnerable." Patil further expressed hope that the people of Mumbai would not allow the peace and harmony of their city to be disturbed.

"People from Maharashtra and all parts of the country are living here and have enjoyed prosperity and faced adversity together. Mumbai has always been a symbol of unity which in no case should be disturbed or allowed to be disturbed and damaged," he added.

Violence had rocked Maharashtra on Sunday as the Samajwadi Party (SP), which is largely based in Uttar Pradesh, took out a rally despite the threat of disruption by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) party chief Raj Thackeray.

Thackeray's MNS party's campaign against "outsiders" has targeted migrants from northern India and accused them of robbing Maharashtrians of jobs.

Party workers have intimidated migrants, damaged vehicles and beaten up taxi drivers, most of them from the States of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

The issue had surfaced in Mumbai during the 1990s when Shiv Sena attacked migrants. But the party changed their stand after realising the crucial role immigrant's play in the economy.

The MNS was founded after Raj Thackeray broke away from Shiv Sena in 2005.

ANI