M A I N   N E W S

Shiv Sena, MNS to oppose Pakistan’s cricket tour
Shiv Kumar
Tribune News Service

earlier antics In 1991, Shiv Sena leader and present MNS MLA Shishir Shinde dug up Wankhede stadium pitch on the eve of a Test match between the two countries A few months ago, both parties objected to Pakistani artistes participating in a television show along with noted singer Asha Bhosle

Mumbai, October 31
The Shiv Sena and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena are planning to hold protests against the proposed tour of the Pakistan cricket team to India in December.

Leaders of both parties are expected to announce plans for protests in the coming days, according to sources.

Shiv Sena leader Subash Desai said his party would strongly oppose the Pakistan tour.

"We are against Pakistan playing in India. Terrorists who carried out the 26/11 attack in Mumbai were sponsored by Pakistan and our government wants to play cricket with them," Desai said.

Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena too is likely to oppose the tour. Its leaders have said the party's plan of action will be announced in a day or two.

Observers say the MNS is waiting for the Shiv Sena to make the first move before announcing its own protests against the tour.

The Shiv Sena, of which the MNS is an off-shoot, has a history of opposing cricket encounters with Pakistan.

In 1991 Shiv Sena leader and present MNS MLA Shishir Shinde dug up Wankhede stadium pitch on the eve of a Test match between the two countries.

Only a few months ago, both parties objected to Pakistani artistes participating in a television show along with noted singer Asha Bhosle.

Pakistan will play three one-day matches and two 20-20 matches in India. None of these matches are scheduled to be played in Maharashtra.