Shiv Sena protest against SEZs turns violent

Mumbai, Aug 16 (UNI) At least five Shiv Sainiks were injured and several others, including senior leader Manohar Joshi, were taken into custody by the police after a party-led morcha against Special Economic Zones (SEZ) turned violent at Belapur here today.

Intially, the police resorted to a mild lathi-charge after the Sainiks began pelting stones at police pickets posted at the zone, said police sources.

However, when the Sainiks began to retailate with stones, tear gas shells were fired to control the violent mob, sources added.

Mr Joshi, before his arrest, told mediapersons that the ''morcha'' was being held in support of the farmers as the government had ''unsurped their lands illegally for the SEZ''.

Incidents of stone pelting were also reported from areas in Kalamboli, Khargar, Vashi, Turbe and Panvel. Several Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) buses were damaged in such incidents.

Meanwhile, Rapid Action Force (RAF) platoons have been sent as reinforcements to the affected areas.

UNI