Mumbai, Oct 28 (The Indian Express): Leaders of the Parsi community met Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray on Friday, seeking his support for their demand to shift the alignment of Metro III from some of their Fire Temples. The community has raised concerns that the construction of the underground Metro below Atash Behrams, a Fire Temple at Girgaum, will destroy its sanctity.

According to the leaders, Thackeray has assured them of full support.

Pervez Cooper, vice-president of Clean Heritage Colaba Residents Association (CHCRA), who had started a signature campaign over the issue, said, “We had a positive meeting with him (Uddhav). He has assured that the matter will be discussed with higher level authorities and he will speak to the Chief Minister, if necessary. He will also visit the sites soon.”

The signature campaign against the issue had received more than 3,500 signatures, while an online petition, on Change.org, garnered over 11,000 signatures.

During the meeting, the community also sought Uddhav’s intervention in ensuring that the existing no-fly zone over Tower of Silence at Malabar Hill remains unaffected.