News From Rons Bantwal
For Daijiworld Media Network—Mumbai (CN)
Mumbai, Jun 26: More than 1,500 parents, teachers, and former students peacefully gathered at Mary Immaculate primary school, Jeevan Bima Nagar, Borivali west, on Tuesday, June 24 as part of a solidarity dharna against the intimidatory tactics of Maharastra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists.
Three vehicles of the State Reserve Police (SRP) were rushed to the school on fears of clashes. The gathering was in support of the nuns and the staff of the school who were confronted last week by activists of the MNS who were demanding out of turn admissions and making various false accusations against the school management.
Later, a delegation led by Dolphy D’ Souza, president, Bombay catholic sabha (BCS) presented a memorandum to the deputy commisioner of police, Makarand Ranade, demanding an FIR be lodged against the offenders under Sec 441 for criminal trespass, Sec 503 for criminal intimidation and Sec 499 for defamation.
Other demands in the memorandum included request for provision of police protection to all schools under Ranade’s jurisdiction, restraining order against such elements, protection of constitutional rights as a minority institution, and apprehension as well as prosecution of the culprits.
The unruly mob had behaved in a threatening manner, hurling abuses and derogatory remarks against the school management and the nuns. They had also reportedly cautioned the management that they would return soon in large numbers, and close down the school indefinitely.
Subsequently, under the aegis of the BCS, a meeting of the parishioners and parents of school children was held and it was decided that such intimidatory tactics should be dealt with tooth and nail.
At a meeting between the representatives from MNS and the school management, the latter refuted allegations of soliciting donations, and promoting conversions. However, in matters of admission procedures the MNS activists were directed to contact the archdiocesan board of education.
The dharna was a message to the police and the government that such type of incidents should not happen in the future.