Mumbai Auto Strike: Marathi Driver Allegedly Assaulted

Mumbai witnessed a tense situation on Monday after a Marathi-speaking auto-rickshaw driver was allegedly assaulted by a group of non-Marathi-speaking drivers during a protest against the state government's Marathi language requirement.

The incident took place on Kandivali Link Road, where several auto-rickshaws were parked on the road in opposition to the language requirement, disrupting traffic movement in the area. The accused allegedly told the Marathi driver that they would speak Hindi and Bhojpuri but would not speak Marathi.

The sudden protest caused inconvenience to commuters and motorists, with traffic on Kandivali Link Road reportedly slowing for around 20 minutes. Traffic police reached the spot and attempted to clear the congestion and restore normal movement.

There were also allegations that some auto-rickshaw drivers carrying passengers were threatened during the protest. A video shared by Marathi news portal Zee 24 Taas shows several drivers threatening and abusing drivers carrying passengers amid protest.

Police officials said a case was registered against four people in connection with the alleged assault on the Marathi-speaking auto-rickshaw driver. The incident has triggered a political response, with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) taking an aggressive stance against the alleged behaviour of the non-Marathi-speaking drivers.

Shashank Rao, president of the Mumbai Autorickshaw-Taximen's Union, clarified that the union had not supported the protest. The union has separately been demanding additional time for drivers to comply with the state's Marathi language requirement.

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik also took a firm position on the incident, saying the government would not tolerate anyone disrespecting Marathi identity while living and conducting business in Maharashtra. The minister also reiterated that autorickshaw and taxi drivers would be given one month to learn Marathi before punitive action is initiated.

The Marathi language requirement for autorickshaw and taxi drivers has been a contentious issue in the state, with many drivers opposing the move. The state government has maintained that the requirement is necessary to promote the use of Marathi language in the state.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Marathi and non-Marathi speaking communities in the state. The MNS has been at the forefront of the campaign to promote the use of Marathi language in the state, and has often clashed with non-Marathi speaking communities.

The state government's decision to make Marathi language a requirement for autorickshaw and taxi drivers has been seen as a move to promote the use of the language in the state. However, the move has been opposed by many drivers, who claim that it is unfair and discriminatory.

The incident is likely to escalate tensions between the Marathi and non-Marathi speaking communities in the state, and may have implications for the state government's language policy.

In conclusion, the alleged assault on the Marathi-speaking auto-rickshaw driver has highlighted the ongoing tensions between different communities in the state, and has sparked a political response. The incident is a reminder of the need for greater understanding and tolerance between different communities in the state.