CM Uddhav Thackeray warns those trying to spark communal trouble

MUMBAI: Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray has warned of stern action against those creating communal disharmony in the present hour of crisis. "I will go to any extent to punish those creating false videos to promote communal disharmony," Thackeray said in a video message to the state on Saturday.
On the other hand, MNS president Raj Thackeray struck a strident note on the Tablighi Jamaat congregation row and said those who put religion above nation should be shot dead.
Also, following the communally charged hatred videos and audio messages doing the rounds on the social media, Mumbai police commissioner said they have launched an inquiry and will take stern action against such rumour-mongers.
Earlier in the day, Uddhav said the tally of positive cases in the state had reached 490 to 500. Of these, 51 patients have been cured and sent home.
More testing centres and hospitals devoted exclusively to handle Covid-19 cases have been started, he added. "Revoking lockdown would depend on us," he said, indicating that citizens' responsible behaviour was the key component in the on-going fight against the pandemic.
Thackeray said all religious, political and sports events have been cancelled till further notice in view of the unprecedented situation prevailing in the state.
In contrast, Raj slammed those humiliating or assaulting doctors and medical staff. "Such persons should be publicly whipped and their videos made viral," the MNS president said in a video message. "Those who put religion above nation should be shot dead," he added, referring to the Tablighi Jamaat congregation.
Since a few days, an audio message on social media says one should not buy anything from hawkers of a certain community. "This audio and other such videos are fabricated," said the police chief.