03 April,2014 08:02 AM IST | | Vinay Dalvi
Senior leaders have announced a protest against the exhibition, organised at the World Trade Centre by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, which starts today
With Shiv Sainiks threatening to protest against the trade fair organised by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) that starts today, the Mumbai Police will be on their toes till Monday, guarding the exhibition spot.
In 2012, Shiv Sainiks had protested against the FPCCI exhibition in the World Trade Centre (WTC)
The trade fair will display various garments, textiles, spices and cosmetics brought by traders from Pakistan. Shiv Sena workers, who had disrupted a press conference arranged by a Pakistani band scheduled to perform in the city in February, has threatened to protest against the trade fair as well. The band had to leave the city in the face of the protests.
"In 2012, Shiv Sainiks had protested against the FPCCI exhibition in the World Trade Centre (WTC) and this year also, we will do the same, without worrying about the code of conduct or the police bandobast," said a senior Shiv Sena leader.
Elaborate security
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police has made elaborate security arrangements for the exhibition.
The Cuffe Parade police have been informed about the programme, and an additional security cover has been requested, in anticipation of a protest from Shiv Sena workers.
"We will be starting a bandobast from Wednesday evening outside the WTC, and additional battalions of State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) and armed guards will be deployed outside the venue. Constables have been asked to carry lathis and helmets, and officers will carry pistols," said a police officer.
In the last installment, well-known brands from Pakistan such as Gul Ahmed, Signatures by Five Star, Nisha Summer Lines and Al Karam had participated in the exhibition. Around 100 Pakistani stalls had been set up.
"The exhibition is arranged so that Pakistani brands get an entry in the Indian market, but we are against it. If the country sends terrorists to our nation and kills our innocent people, why should we help their trade grow?" said a Shiv Sena leader.
Sources added that the Commissioner of Police Rakesh Maria is personally supervising the bandobast arrangements.
