Raj shows no remorse; says partymen would do same if provoked again

Mumbai, Feb 9 (UNI) Maharashtra Navriman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray today asserted that violence against North Indians in the metropolis will be repeated if provoked again Without remorse to the February 3 violence, he told a press conference here that the reaction on that day was to the foul language used by the north Indians against the Maharashtra ''manoos'' (people).

The estranged nephew of Bal Thackeray said, ''It was not us who are to blame but the Samajwadi Party whose city President Abu Asim Azmi who had said: ''hum lathi batenge'' (we will distribute batons).'' Raj said, ''If they would do so then we would distribute swords.'' Raj Thackeray said that he had no problem with North Indians staying in Mumbai, but they should respect the people of Maharashtra.

''New immigrants to the city should be denied entry into the city, while those already staying here should stay with respect to the Marathi 'manoos' and their culture,'' he added.

Raj Thackeray also urged the state government and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to take steps to educate people about the culture and way of life of the Maharashtrians.

The MNS chief also said that he would not be seeking anticipatory bail and the government can do what it wants.

On the attacks on taxis, he said his partymen had told him that they had stored weapons in them and therefore they were attacked.

UNI ST/GS VK SK HS1725