Mira-Bhayandar Shops Shut in Protest Against MNS Workers’ Assault on Restaurant Owner for Not Speaking Marathi
Shopkeepers in Mira-Bhayandar united to protest after MNS workers assaulted a restaurant owner for not speaking Marathi.
On July 3, 2025, shops across Mira-Bhayandar closed their shutters in a coordinated protest against the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers who assaulted a restaurant owner for not speaking Marathi. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and raised questions about linguistic intolerance and the use of violence to enforce cultural norms.
The confrontation began when MNS workers questioned the restaurant owner about his use of language. The owner humorously responded that he didn’t know Marathi was mandatory, which angered the workers. The situation escalated when the owner stated that all languages are spoken in Maharashtra, prompting one worker to slap him multiple times in public. The incident was captured on video and has since gone viral, drawing widespread condemnation.
In response to the assault, shopkeepers in Mira-Bhayandar closed their businesses to express solidarity with the victim and to protest against the actions of the MNS workers. The deserted markets and closed shops have gained attention on social media, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the area.
The MNS, led by Raj Thackeray, has a history of advocating for the promotion of the Marathi language and culture. However, their methods have often been controversial, with previous incidents involving the assault of individuals for not speaking Marathi or for displaying non-Marathi signboards. en.wikipedia.org
The police are investigating the matter, but no official complaint has been filed yet. The lack of legal action has raised concerns about the enforcement of laws against hate crimes and linguistic intolerance.
The incident in Mira-Bhayandar serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by non-Marathi speakers in Maharashtra. While the promotion of regional languages is important, it should not come at the cost of tolerance and respect for linguistic diversity. The closure of shops in protest reflects the community’s demand for justice and a call for an end to such acts of violence.
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