MNS postpones first party session

Mumbai, Feb 22: The first party session of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), beginning from tomorrow at Nashik, has been postponed following a ban imposed on its chief Raj Thackeray.

The ban order was issued on February 11 by the Joint Commissioner of Police (Operation) under section 144 of the CrPC, restraining Mr Thackeray from holding press conference, rallies, 'morchas' and making provocative speeches till February 25. MNS activist Sandeep Deshpande told to the source here today that the Party's two-day session has been postponed owing to the ban order by the police. ''However, we have already challenged the order in the sessions court. Even if the sessions court lifts the ban today itself, we will not be able to hold the party session tomorrow as it needs preparation. Because of all these reasons, we have postponed it.'' Deshpande said.

The ban was imposed following violence across the State due to provocative statements made by Mr Thackeray against North Indians.

During the agitation, one person was killed in Nashik and several others were allegedly assaulted by the MNS activists in the State.

UNI