Shiv Sainiks, shrinks, victims protest the Rs 300 mugs being sold by Leopold Cafu00c3u00a9 as memorabilia
Shiv Sainiks, shrinks, victims protest the Rs 300 mugs being sold by Leopold Cafe as memorabilia
Incensed over rumours of beer being sold in 26/11 commemorative coffee mugs at Leopold Cafe, Shiv Sainiks yesterday protested outside the Colaba establishment.
They were herded off after being re-assured that the mugs weren't being used to serve alcohol.
"The cafe has been serving beer in mugs, which they have apparently made as a tribute to the martyrs. It is an insult to all those who lost their lives during the terror attacks.
Police should take stern action against the owner of the cafe for hurting the common man's sentiments. The owner should be put behind bars," said Sena activist Pandurang Satpad.
The cafe's owners were clearly disappointed. "Why would we serve beer in a coffee mug?" asked a visibly frustrated Farhang Jehani.
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"Our mugs were designed by a Catholic gentleman who makes all our memorabilia and we collectively decided to put a strong message along with a tribute to the victims on the same.
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But why blame us? During 9/11, the commercialisation was so blatant. There were pins, hats and T-shirts.
We've decided to honour the victims in this innocent way. I don't know why we're being targeted," said Jehani.
The caf has sold over 3,000 mugs at a price of Rs 300 each since they were launched last year. The mug says 'Bulletproof Mumbai no bullet can beat us', on one side and bears the names of victims on the other.
The unsold mugs have been deposited at Colaba police station. Said an officer, "No case has been registered against the cafe owner, but the matter is being investigated.
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If found guilty, we might ask the owners to dispose of the mugs and they'll be fined."
'In poor taste'
The Sena, at least in this case, has some support. Indrani Malkani of the Malabar Hill Residents Association said, "The mugs are in poor taste.
An incident like 26/11 cannot be glorified in this manner and certainly not for monetary gain. It's ghoulish to say the least and reduces the dignity of the victims and martyrs."
Added psychiatrist Seema Hingoranny, "Items like these could be particularly harmful for people still suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after being injured or losing a relative.
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We've been advising worried callers not to show victims or their kin images of the attack to prevent them from lapsing into depression."
Kailash Padhak, a marketing manager whose brother was injured near Leopold Cafe, too is livid. "Such souvenirs are of no use.
They should understand that this incident is not to be remembered again and again. They are just trying to gain publicity out of the tragedy and woo people."
9/11 on ebay
A part of the turbine blade from American Airlines Flight 11 that was hijacked during the 9/11 terror incident was put up on eBay for u00c2u00a3100,000 u00a0(Rs 76 lakh).
eBay pulled the ad after 200 people accessed it and Americans expressed outrage against the same.
Other memorabilia being sold on the streets included commemorative coins featuring the Twin Towers, poker chip protective covers, stickers, pins and T-shirts.
Opposing View
"People are missing the forest for the trees. Souvenirs have a large societal impact, they don't let people forget and that's especially important in this day and age.
"I was living and working in New York when 9/11 happened and souvenirs like a T-shirt brought from Ground Zero and worn in Africa, Asia or Europe help people connect with the event.
"You wouldn't be spending your hard earned money on a memento if you didn't connect with the cause and
it helps infect your friends and family with the cause too," said Bobby Pawar, chief creative officer for the Mudra Group.
Parties say
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Designing such mugs is of no problem unless it hurts people's sentiments
Shirish Parkar, MNS spokesperson
It is a very sad and a sensitive day in history and should be remembered in a right way
Krishna Hegde, spokesperson, Mumbai Congress
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