Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) indifference towards public concerns in Malvani has ignited growing unrest, with local residents and activists decrying the arbitrary blockade of a vital shortcut route for bikers from Evershine Bridge. Despite repeated appeals, the civic body has refused to reconsider its decision, forcing citizens to take to the streets in protest.
Rizwana Isa Khan, Mumbai head of the Women’s Wing of the Indian Union Muslim League, began a hunger strike. Despite reaching its seventh day yesterday, the BMC officials and the government displayed complete apathy, ignoring even a female leader’s protest. Finally, she ended her fast but vowed to continue her fight for the civic rights of the residents of Malvani, saying, “This hunger strike was our way of resisting injustice, and our fight will continue until justice is served.” It may be noted that Malvani has a substantial Muslim population.
The issue, which directly impacts daily commuters, has drawn sharp criticism from the Muslim League’s Maharashtra leadership. General Secretary Abdul Rahman C.H. slammed the BMC’s action, calling it unjustified and detrimental to public convenience. He highlighted that Malvani already suffers from severe traffic congestion, with a single, narrow road for all vehicles, causing frequent gridlocks and delays for emergency services. He further stated that Malvani has only one road for two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and trucks, which is so narrow that fire brigades and ambulances struggle to pass through. When a dedicated route for bikers already existed, why was it necessary to block it? The BMC’s move has worsened traffic congestion in the area.
While Rizwana Isa Khan’s hunger strike symbolized the community’s frustration, leaders reaffirmed that this was just the beginning. “The administration may ignore us today, but the fight for justice will not stop,” said Haji Rashid Lakhla, Mumbai IUML President.
