Day curfew lifted as normalcy returns in Navi Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 20 (UNI) Day curfew was lifted today in the Kopar Khairne township of Navi Mumbai following which a large number of people flocked the markets to replenish their domestic supplies.

According to Navi Mumbai police control room, curfew was lifted initially from 0600 hrs to 1500 hrs, but since no fresh incident was reported during this period, the relaxation has been extended upto 2100 hrs tonight. However, night curfew from 2100 hrs to 0600 hrs tomorrow morning will continue, as a precautionary measure.

Curfew had been imposed in the Kopar Kharaine police station area of Navi Mumbai on Saturday following sporadic violence since March 14, in the aftermath of eve-teasing of a girl from the 'Mathadi' workers (porters) colony by some village youths of Ghansoli on the eve of Holi festival.

The incident later left two dead in police firing and one in group clashes. As many as 75 people were injured in the clashes and more than 100 arrested in connection with the incidents. A mob had even stormed the Nerul police station on Friday.

However, the situation had started returning to normal since yesterday and after reviewing it, the authorities decided to relax curfew today. Already, some markets had opened in Vashi, Nerul and other Navi Mumbai townships yesterday.

With the autorickshaws plying as usual and the roadside tea stalls, STD booths and cigarette kiosks opening, the business returned to near normalcy after almost four days of violence.

The incidents had found an echo in the the State Assembly also.

Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, who also holds the Home portfolio, after a meeting with the representatives of Agri community, Mathadi workers, local politicians and police officers yesterday evening had announced the transfer of Inspector Shamsher Pathan, who had been accused of 'mishandling' the situation at Ghansoli, and an inquiry by an officer of the rank of Additional Director General of Police (CID) to restore peace in Navi Mumbai.

The 75 injured in the violence included 20 policemen, including Additional Commissioner of Police Paramjit Singh from Mumbai police, who was sent there on a special duty.

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