Mumbai Pigeon Feeding Row: Jain Temple Closed, Heavy Police Security At Dadar Kabutar Khana After Marathi Ekikaran Samiti Protest Call; Video

Mumbai: Heavy police security has been deployed at the Dadar kabutar khana and the Jain temple doors have also been closed since morning as the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti has given a call for a massive protest. The samiti is demanding enforcement of ban on pigeon feeding and actions against the Jain community protestors who removed the tarpaulin from Dadar kabutar khana last week and fed the pigeons, in violation of the court orders.

MNS Extends Its Support

For today's protest, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has extended its support. Pramod Parte from Marathi Ekikaran Samiti said, "Marathi leaders from all political parties have extended their support to our protest. We expect MNS and Shiv Sena UBT leaders to join us."

The protest call was given for 10 am, however it is yet to start. Chetan Kamble, a civic activist from Dadar said that people have gathered here to join for the protest, but the leaders are awaited. "It is not sure why the protest is delayed. It is said the police have sent them notices to not demonstration, but it is not confirmed. The shops were also told to shut till noon, however many are open as of now," the activist said.

About The Protest

The protest comes on the day when the hearing on the kabutar khana case is scheduled in Bombay High court. The hearing is expected by noon. The court has asked the BMC to form expert committee to study the health hazards by pigeon droppings. Today the BMC is expected to submit details on the committee formation.

Meanwhile, the petitioners Pallavi Patil and Shena Visaria, who have approached the HC have written to the BMC on Tuesday to re-open the kabutar khanas. The HC in its last hearing had clarified that it had not ordered the closure of kabutar khanas and it was BMC's decision.