'Congress protecting Raj Thackeray'

Sultanpur, Nov 2 (UNI) Holding Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray responsible for attacks on North Indians in Mumbai, Shia cleric and All India Muslim Personnel Law Board member Kalwe Javvad today said the former was being sheltered by the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party.

''The manner in which the Maharashtra government is backing the MNS and its chief is against the good of the country,'' he said here.

Saying it would only divide the people on the basis of region, the Shia cleric said the Maharashtra government should ensure the safety of lives and property of north Indians in its state.

Besides, the Congress led-central government should stop protecting Mr Thackeray and ask the Maharashtra government to take stern action against him, he demanded.

UNI XC-JAS RL HT1710