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Residents of Girgaum, accompanied by members of Shiv Sena, staged a day-long strike in the area today to protest against the Metro III project, which might leave them homeless.

Over 2, 500 residents, along with local Shiv Sena leader Pandurang Sakpal, staged a massive protest march from Kranti Nagar to Marine Lines railway station at 10am. They were supported by shopkeepers, restaurant owners and other office-establishments, all of whom refused to conduct trade and business activities till 6pm today. Over 503 shops, a dozen restaurants and more than 90 small and mid-size establishments remained shut.

According to resident groups, the terms and conditions laid down by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) regarding the rehabilitation and relocation of Girgaum residents are unacceptable. "MMRCL has not carried out any extensive survey of the area, neither has a policy regarding the location of rehabilitiation housing been formulated. We will not move out of Girgaum as we were born here," local resident Uday Sawant said. He alleged that the MMRCL is attempting to force the policy upon residents without seeking the consent from the Project Affected People (PAPs).

Armed with banners, placards and black flags, residents chanted slogans against the MMRCL and the Metro III project. "This protest will continue till they fulfil our demands. Sena will never bow down to the MMRCL. We have always stood by the residents and will boycott the project if locals are relocated anywhere else," Sakpal said.

​Ensuring that students appearing for various examinations do not suffer any inconvenience, residents saw to it that the movement of taxis and private vehicles is not hindered by the protest. "The route taken by us during the march was planned in advance. Routes which had schools, colleges and other institutions were avoided. We have assured that no students suffer due to our protest," Sakpal said.