ORF Mumbai Chairman Sudheendra Kulkarni alleges black ink was thrown at him by Shiv Sena workers. pic.twitter.com/2qS8d4LMQF — ANI (@ANI_news) October 12,

MUMBAI: Despite Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis' assurance of "total security" for the book launch of Pakistan's former foreign minister Khurshid Kasuri in Mumbai on Monday, the Shiv Sainiks allegedly managed to hackle former top diplomat Sudheendra Kulkarni .Kulkarni alleged that Shiv Sena workers smeared black paint on his face." Shiv Sena activists abused me, smeared black paint on my face," Sudheendra Kulkarni said.The incident happened outside Kulkarni's residence.Mahmud Kasuri's book "Neither a hawk, nor a dove - An insider's account of Pakistan's foreign policy" is scheduled to be launched today at 5.30pm in Worli's Nehru Centre.Kulkarni will be moderating the discussion.Shiv Sena had asked the Nehru planetarium to call off former Pakistani foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri 's book launch function.Citing the neighbouring country's support to terrorism as the reason behind the opposition, the party warned that the function will be disrupted if not canceled.Sena vibhag pramukh Ashish Chemburkar submitted a letter to director of Nehru planetarium here, demanding that the event be cancelled and organisers informed accordingly.Last week, despite assurances of protection from Fadnavis, a concert by Pakistani singer Ghulam Ali was cancelled by the organizers following threats by the Sena. This time the chief minister seems keen to avoid a repeat of that embarrassment."For all foreigners, diplomats or foreign dignitaries who are allowed on a proper visa in our country, it's the responsibility of our government to provide them security. Hence Mr Kasuri and the programme will be provided total security," the chief minister had earlier said. "But this does not mean that we endorse all his views. No anti-India propaganda will be tolerated through any such programme, and if found so (sic), the organizers would be held responsible," the chief minister added.(With inputs from agencies)