Mumbai 05 – The Chamber of Associations of Maharashtra Industry & Trade (CAMIT) has written a
strongly worded letter to Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis,
condemning in the strongest possible terms the recent shameful incident in Mira-
Bhayander, wherein a law-abiding, peace-loving Hindi-speaking trader was reportedly
assaulted and manhandled by members of a particular political party. His only “fault” was
that he could not converse fluently in Marathi.
In its representation, CAMIT has registered a strong protest on behalf of the entire trading
community of Maharashtra and demanded immediate, firm and exemplary action against
the perpetrators of this unlawful and communal act of aggression.
“This act of political hooliganism is not only unacceptable in a democratic society but deeply
threatens the cosmopolitan character of Mumbai and Maharashtra, which have historically
welcomed people from all linguistic, regional, and cultural backgrounds,” said Dr Dipen
Agrawal, President of CAMIT.
According to reports, the trader was harassed and assaulted in broad daylight, in full public
view, with the accused individuals allegedly invoking regional pride as a pretext to
intimidate and assault him. This incident has sparked deep fear, outrage, and unrest among
thousands of Hindi-speaking traders and entrepreneurs across the state, who now feel
unsafe and targeted simply because of their linguistic identity.
“Mumbai is the financial capital of India—not the fiefdom of any political ideology. The
business community here has flourished because of its inclusivity, discipline, and peaceful
coexistence. Attempts to disrupt this harmony by resorting to such linguistic bigotry must be
crushed with an iron hand,” CAMIT’s letter states.
CAMIT has reminded the State Government that Maharashtra’s strength lies in its diversity,
and any form of linguistic chauvinism or targeted violence will not only damage its image
but severely undermine investor and trader confidence.
The organisation has made the following demands to the Hon’ble Chief Minister:
1. Immediate identification and arrest of all individuals involved in the Mira-
Bhayander incident.
2. Filing of criminal cases under appropriate sections of the IPC to ensure swift
justice.
3. Clear and public assurance from the State Government to protect the rights,
safety, and dignity of all Hindi-speaking traders and workers in Maharashtra.
4. Deployment of local law enforcement to monitor and prevent such
politically-motivated attacks in the future.
5. Stern warning and dissuasive action against any political party or group that
seeks to disrupt social harmony or threaten public peace.
CAMIT further stated that Mumbai and Maharashtra have been built by the sweat and hard
work of communities from every region of India. Traders from Hindi-speaking regions have
made significant contributions to the state’s economy, tax revenues, and employment
generation.
“We are not outsiders—we are sons of this soil. Our language may be different, but our
loyalty to Maharashtra is unwavering. No political party should be allowed to polarize
society or weaponize language for narrow electoral gains,” said Dr Agrawal.
CAMIT has expressed full faith in the leadership of Shri Devendra Fadnavis and hopes that
his government will uphold Maharashtra’s commitment to justice, equality, and inclusive
growth.