People protesting in Dharavi.
Credit: X/PTI_News
Mumbai: Tension prevailed in the Dharavi slum cluster of Mumbai as local residents came out in large numbers to protest against the plans of demolition of an illegal portion of a mosque on Saturday.
In view of the sensitive situation, the team of the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), had to make a retreat.
The team of BMC’s G-North Ward came to the Mehboob-e-Subhani mosque located on 90 Feet Road around 0900 leading to tension in the area.
Even as people came to the streets to prevent the demolition squad from moving ahead, a large number also assembled outside the Dharavi police station located there and squatted on the road to protest against the civic body’s move.
A delegation from the mosque and officials of the BMC and Mumbai Police held talks to resolve the issue.
Thereafter, the BMC team retreated.
Mumbai Congress President Prof Varsha Gaikwad, a former Dharavi MLA and current Mumbai North-Central MP, said that she had met Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde who assured that the demolition proceedings will be stopped.
“All Dharavikars are united in maintaining peace. We are in constant touch with the administration and the police. It is the responsibility of all of us to ensure that the social values of Dharavi are not harmed,” she said.
“Dharavi has always believed in social equality and unity. In every situation, the people of Dharavi have maintained restraint. Even today, Dharavi maintained restraint. To maintain social harmony in Dharavi, we had requested the Chief Minister, administration, and police to postpone the demolition action. Finally the action was cancelled, thanks to everyone. Dharavi's unity, social harmony is our strength. We all are one and will remain so,” added Prof Gaikwad.