Tripathi launches indefinite hunger strike

Mumbai, Feb 6 (UNI) Uttar Bhartiya Vikas Parisad (UBVP) President Munna Tripathi today began his indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan, demanding the arrest of MNS President Raj Thackeray for allegedly attacking North Indians.

Mr Tripathi began his hunger strike along with ten other Uttar Bhartiyas (North Indians).

He had also filed a case against Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray yesterday in the Andheri Metropolitan Court.

Violence had errupted in the city and other parts of the state last Sunday following some remarks made by Mr Thackeray against the North Indian community.

More than 100 activists comprising of MNS and SP (Samajwadi Party) were arrested by the police.

Prominent among them are MLA Bala Nandgaonkar and MNS spokesperson Shishir Shinde. Congress spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam and some others were detained yesterday when they held a rally near Raj Thackeray's residence at Dadar. However, all the arrested persons were released on cash bail of Rs 3000 each by Metropolitan Court, Bhoiwada.

UNI ST GR MSJ DS1512