One store’s sign broken, others seek extra security

Mumbai, August 29 Two youths allegedly pelted stones at an English signboard of a clothing store called Jassu Goru at Lower Parel in the wee hours of Friday. Elsewhere in the city, no violence was reported, though small scuffles were reported from Navi Mumbai. The incident took place around half past midnight. Two boys were spotted fleeing the scene.

The owner Kantilal Jain (60) stated in his complaint that while a steel grill was damaged, a waiter sleeping there, Santosh Pradhan (25), also sustained injuries. “I had ordered a Marathi sign, but it came at night and I couldn’t put it up,” said Jain. “After yesterday’s court order, I had not expected this to happen.”

Sun Mill Road where the store is located has a string of shops bearing both Marathi and English signboards. But not everybody feels safe. “I have removed my English signboard as you never know when the MNS will strike,” said Mansukh Darod (55), proprietor of Rajat Plus, another clothing store.

“We traders are considered soft targets but we aren't so soft to be pressurized unnecessarily,” said Nilesh Savla, joint secretary of the Lower Parel Vyapari Association. The 150 members of the association had changed their signage after receiving an MNS circular. The shopkeepers also met the local police to seek better security against further attacks.