Sena protest spills in several parts of state

Mumbai, July 9 (UNI) The agitation by Shiv Sainiks today spilled to other parts of the city as well as the state with the activists resorting to stone pelting and forceful closure of shops and market protesting against the defacing of late Meenatai Thackeray's statue.

Sainiks took to the streets of Nashik, New Mumbai, Vikroli, Mulund, Thane and other suburbs and pelted stones and forced the closure of markets. The party called a bandh in Dadar and other Sena stronghold today.

The newly-formed Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), led by Raj Thackeray, has condemned the incident and extended support to the ongoing protest spearheaded by Shiv Sena.

According to police, barring sporadic incidents of stone pelting, the situation is under control and police presence has also been increased in trouble-torn areas.

Earlier, tension began at Shivaji Park after Shiv sainiks torched a tourist bus and obstructed vehicular traffic in the area. Sensing trouble police reinforcements have been rushed to the spot and security has been tightened.

When contacted the Commissioner Office, it was informed that Commissioner of Police A N Roy and other top police officials are camping on the spot.

Earlier, Shiv Sena leader and former Chief Minister of the State Manohar Joshi speaking to mediapersons stated that late Meenatai Thackeray, wife of Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, is a revered figure and defacing the statue has hurt the Sainiks.

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