A recent incident in Maharashtra has intensified the ongoing language debate, with a non-Marathi woman vendor reportedly attempting self-immolation on Tuesday. The dramatic event occurred during a heated argument with Marathi-speaking vendors concerning the allocation of space for stalls during the festive season in Dombivli, Thane.
Fortunately, quick thinking by bystanders and civil officials prevented the woman from harming herself. The dispute, which took place on Gupte Road, led to a temporary stand-off, necessitating the intervention of local leaders and officials to de-escalate the situation and restore peace.
The issue arose after a group of Marathi women obtained official permission from the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) to set up their stalls. However, when they arrived to prepare their spots, several non-Marathi vendors refused to vacate the designated area, sparking the altercation.
An official from the KDMC’s encroachment department confirmed that the space was indeed allocated to the Marathi vendors. “Despite our instructions, the non-Marathi group initially refused to cooperate. After discussions with both sides, the matter was temporarily resolved,” the official stated.
Authorities have increased security and vigilance in the area to prevent any further escalation of tensions.
This incident is one of several recent events linked to language disputes in Maharashtra. Previously, a student was reportedly assaulted for asking classmates to speak Marathi in a WhatsApp group, and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers allegedly attacked a bus stand attendant for refusing to speak Marathi.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has previously stated that acts of hooliganism in the name of language will not be tolerated in the state, emphasizing that while pride in the Marathi language is acceptable, violence and hooliganism will not be permitted.