Ananya Lohia , Mumbai - Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday issued a stern warning ahead of the July 26 student protest in Mumbai, saying anyone trying to disrupt the peaceful demonstration would be "thrashed."

Addressing a press conference, Raj Thackeray accused the Centre of cracking down on peaceful student protests and said the BJP itself had staged similar demonstrations while in the Opposition. The MNS, along with Shiv Sena (UBT), has announced a joint march in support of students protesting over alleged examination irregularities and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Raj and Uddhav Thackeray have extended support to CJP founder Abhijit Dipke and the ongoing protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Several opposition leaders, including NCP chief Sharad Pawar, have also backed the movement. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police has imposed prohibitory orders across the city from July 23 to August 6, banning gatherings of five or more people, processions, loudspeakers and other public demonstrations.

With political support for the student movement growing, authorities have tightened security across Mumbai ahead of the planned protest.