Mira-Bhayandar Traders Apologise Over Protest in Marathi-Hindi Row

Business associations express regret to DCP following backlash over language-related shutdown

Mira Road (Sajid Mehmood Sheikh): In a move to de-escalate growing tensions over the Marathi vs. Hindi language dispute, traders and shopkeepers from Mira-Bhayandar met with Deputy Commissioner of Police Prakash Gaikwad and submitted a letter of apology regarding their earlier protest.

The issue was sparked last week when Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers allegedly slapped a shopkeeper at Jodhpur Sweets for refusing to speak in Marathi. The incident triggered widespread resentment among the local trader community, who reacted by shutting down their businesses and staging a protest march on July 3.

While their intention was to highlight concerns over growing insecurity among the business community, the protest led to unexpected consequences. A larger reaction unfolded across Maharashtra, with thousands of MNS and political party volunteers marching in support of Marathi pride on July 8.

Recognizing the sensitivities involved and the expanding political ramifications, the Mira-Bhayandar traders’ associations met DCP Gaikwad to express regret over any unintended offense. In a formally submitted letter, they stated that the July 3 gathering was aimed solely at addressing fears among business owners following the attack on a fellow trader.

The letter clarified:
“A large number of traders had gathered on July 3 in response to the mistreatment of a local shopkeeper. The incident had created an atmosphere of fear. Our goal was never to offend any community, group, or language. If our gathering hurt anyone’s sentiments, we sincerely apologize on behalf of the business community.”

The association reiterated that their sole intention was to ensure safety and harmony among traders, and to discourage future acts of violence or intimidation.