Mumbai, January 7: A day after a poster of 'Free Kashmir' seen in protest at Gateway of India, Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut said that he has been informed about the incident and the girl was demanding restrictions on internet services mobile services and other issues to be lifted soon. However, he made it clear that if anyone talks of freedom of Kashmir from India then it will not be tolerated. The reply comes a day after former CM Devendra Fadnavis questioned Shiv Sena on the motive of protests by students.

Speaking to the media, Raut said, as quoted by news agency ANI, "I read in newspaper that those who held 'free Kashmir' banner clarified that they want to be free of restrictions on internet services, mobile services and other issues. Also, if anyone talks of freedom of Kashmir from India then it will not be tolerated." Earlier in the day, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya filed on complaint with Police on 'free Kashmir' poster seen in protest at Gateway of India on Monday. JNU Violence: Mumbaikars Protesting at Gateway of India Evicted by Mumbai Police, Relocated to Azad Maidan.

Here's what Raut said:

Former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had questioned the motive of protest after the image went viral. He took to Twitter and wrote, "Protest is for what exactly? Why slogans of 'Free Kashmir'? How can we tolerate such separatist elements in Mumbai? 'Free Kashmir' slogans by Azadi gang at 2km from CMO? Uddhav ji are you going to tolerate this Free Kashmir Anti India campaign right under your nose???"

According to the incident, a girl was seen in the Gateway of India on Monday night, while Mumbaikars were protesting against the violence in Jawaharlal Nehru University. While others were shouting slogans like 'Stand with JNU', the girl raised a placard stating where it was written -- Free Kashmir. When asked, the girl clarified that she was seeking the upliftment of restrictions imposed by the government in Jammu and Kashmir.

Taking cognisance of the issue, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) of Mumbai Police -- Sangramsingh Nishandar, said, "We have taken serious cognizance of the ‘free Kashmir’ poster seen in the protest last night at Gateway of India. Yes, we are definitely investigating it."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 07, 2020 11:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).