General
Matheran Gets Back To Business: Indefinite Strike Ends After 2 Days Following Agreement With Administration
Mumbai: The indefinite strike in Matheran, which lasted for two days, concluded on Wednesday after successful discussions with the administration. The strike, initiated to protest fraudulent activities and overcharging by touts and horse operators, had led to a temporary closure of the hill station for tourists. However, following the intervention of local MLA Mahendra Thorve, the issue was resolved and tourist activities resumed on Thursday.
The protest was organised by the Matheran Paryatan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti (Save Tourism Struggle Committee), which raised concerns over scams that negatively impacted tourist footfall. Former Matheran Hill Station Municipal Council president Manoj Khedkar stated that the administration’s assurance to address these issues led to the withdrawal of the protest.
Why Was Matheran Closed?
On March 18, 2025, the people of Matheran united to take a stand against the exploitation of tourists. They decided to shut down the hill station indefinitely, demanding strict action against fraudulent practices by certain horse traders and touts operating at the entry points. The protest was supported by various local groups, including the hotel industry, e-rickshaw associations, traders and social organisations.
For a long time, tourists had been complaining about being misled and overcharged by horse operators at the entrance to Matheran. Despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue through administrative discussions, no concrete action was taken. Frustrated by the lack of response, the Save Tourism Struggle Committee called for an indefinite bandh until the administration took necessary steps to curb these malpractices.
Resolution & Reopening
After two days of intense protests, a meeting between the protestors and the administration led to a positive outcome. With assurances that strict action would be taken against fraudulent activities, the strike was called off. MLA Mahendra Thorve played a key role in mediating the discussions and ensuring the grievances of Matheran’s residents were acknowledged.
Mumbai Press Exclusive News
The 612th Urs of Mahim Makhdoom Faqih Ali Mahimi will begin on November 28, and the festival will be held from December 5: Sohail Khandwani

Mumbai: Mumbai The 612th Urs of Hazrat Makhdoom Faqih Ali Mahimi (may Allah have mercy on him) will be celebrated with utmost devotion and respect at Astana Makhdoom on November 28. A grand service will be held on November 28. The next day, on November 29, the eighth night and sandal will be presented. Along with this, a flag hoisting ceremony, a gathering of listeners and Quran recitation will also be held. The Dargah Committee has completed preparations for this. The Dargah has been decorated like a bride. In view of the Urs and the fair, the police have also made necessary security arrangements. Sohail Khandwani, Managing Trustee of the Dargah Committee, said that in the backdrop of the Urs and fair, the Dargah administration has made necessary arrangements. A grand service will be held at Astana Makhdoom on November 28 and a grand night flag hoisting ceremony, a gathering of listeners and Quran recitation will be held on November 29. The pilgrims are appealed to attend Astana Makhdoom with due respect. He said that the police and the Dargah administration jointly make security arrangements. Along with this, the annual fair will also be held on December 5. The first sandal will be presented by the police and the festival will continue till December 14. In view of this, the traffic police has also shifted the traffic route. Food stalls and entertainment are also available in the festival. The police perform 24-hour services and duties for the festival. Along with this, volunteers of the dargah are also assigned with the police. Police are also deployed on the premises of the dargah including traffic control. Sohail Khandwani has appealed to the sandal committee to take care of Sharia matters during the sandal presentation and not to violate noise and noise pollution and to present sandal at the dargah with courtesy and respect. The annual festival of Mumbai Police will start from December 5. The police is also ready for this. Sohail Khandwani said that the police have a lot of devotion to Baba, therefore they make the arrangements of the dargah with dedication and the police manage it well even in the face of a crowd.
Maharashtra
Shiv Sena wave in North Maharashtra, Dr. Shrikant Shinde takes charge of election campaign

Mumbai Nandurbar: Shiv Sena is on a wave in North Maharashtra. A large number of “Ladli Bheenas” and youth are participating in the rallies of Shiv Sena youth leader Dr. Shrikant Shinde. Dr. Shinde launched his election campaign in North Maharashtra today. Addressing the gathering, he said that the Mahayoti government has taken strong steps to empower women and youth, which is why Maharashtra’s Ladli Behna Yojana is becoming self-reliant. Attacking the opposition, he said that many opposition leaders were opposing the “Ladli Behna Yojana” but under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, this scheme was implemented and it will not be stopped under any circumstances. The opposition is only spreading confusion, Ladli Behna will respond with their votes. Dr. Shrikant Shinde explained that in the last three years, Shiv Sena has reached every corner of Maharashtra under the leadership of Eknath Shinde. Shinde Sahib is empowering his workers by holding eight meetings every day. He has an Urban Development Department, which has resulted in record-breaking funding for the backward villages of Maharashtra, paving the way for strong rural development.
Dr. Shrikant Shinde criticized UBT and said that some people are experts in criticizing, but they have never done any concrete work for the people. That is why today Mahayoti candidates are seen everywhere. The people are well aware of the state of the opposition.
Maharashtra
Kalyan College Namaz Controversy: SIO Demands Action Against Perpetrators

Mumbai: SIO has demanded strict action against the hooliganism of Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad on offering prayers in Mumbai’s Kalyan College. Here, State Secretary SIO Aziz Ahmed said that
The incident that took place at Ideal College of Pharmacy and Research in Kalyan is highly condemnable and unacceptable, where hooligans belonging to Bajrang Dal entered the college campus, threatened and harassed Muslim students for offering prayers and even tried to make them sit in front of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This incident is a direct attack on religious freedom and the sanctity of the educational campus.
SIO strongly condemns this incident and expresses complete solidarity with the affected students. We demand that strict action be taken against the accused at the earliest, the college administration ensure the safety of the students and take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
We appeal to the entire student community to maintain religious harmony and remain united against such sectarian attitudes and demonstrate strong solidarity.
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