Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Sena (UBT) Protests Vasai-Virar Meat Shop Closure Circular
Jain people observe a religious period called Paryushan Parva.
During this time, a municipal circular asked meat and fish shops to close.
Leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT) objected to the request.
They said the closure could hurt local Agari and Koli fishing communities.
Vivek Pawar and other leaders met municipal officials.
They warned that they would protest if shops and non-vegetarian hotels were shut.
Officials said there was no order requiring the shops to close.
The dispute came after a school withdrew a similar food advisory.
Sena (UBT) leaders objected to a circular requesting meat and fish shops close during Paryushan Parva.
Virar city unit chief Vivek Pawar and others met municipal officials over the issue.
The leaders warned of agitation if non-vegetarian hotels and meat-fish shops were shut.
Civic officials said the circular did not order meat or fish shops to close.
The dispute followed a withdrawn school advisory about avoiding onion, garlic and other root vegetables during Paryushan.
- Who
- Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, including Virar unit chief Vivek Pawar, and Vasai Virar municipal officials.
- What
- A dispute arose over a circular requesting meat and fish shops to close during Paryushan Parva.
- When
- Friday, September 11; the reports do not specify a year.
- Where
- The Vasai Virar area in Palghar district, Maharashtra.
- Why
- Sena (UBT) leaders said closures could disrupt local Agari and Koli communities’ livelihoods, while the request related to the Jain religious observance of Paryushan.
Sena (UBT) leaders
Civic officials
Meaning of the circular
Sena (UBT) leaders
The leaders interpreted the circular as an attempt to shut meat and fish shops and warned of agitation.
Civic officials
Civic officials said the circular did not order meat or fish shops to close.
Effect on local livelihoods
Sena (UBT) leaders
Sena (UBT) said administrative action could disrupt the livelihoods of local Agari and Koli fishing communities.
Civic officials
The officials’ stated position was that no closure order had been issued.
- Religious observance
- Paryushan Parva, observed by the Jain community
- Municipal body
- Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation
- Protesting group
- Shiv Sena (UBT) Virar city unit
- Protest leader
- Vivek Pawar
- Warning issued
- Agitation if non-vegetarian hotels and meat-fish shops were shut
- Officials’ position
- There was no order to close meat and fish shops
- Related controversy
- A school in neighbouring Thane district withdrew an advisory concerning onion, garlic and other root vegetables