India, Sept. 21 -- With the inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) expected on September 30, the long-simmering dispute over its name is erupting into a full-blown crisis. The conflict has escalated to the Bombay high court and prompted an ultimatum from local leaders: if the airport is not officially named after Dinkar Balu Patil by September 29, the region will witness intense protests.

The Loknete D B Patil Navi Mumbai International Airport All-Party Action Committee, which is spearheading the demand, met in Vashi on Saturday. While it was resolved to seek an urgent meeting with CM Devendra Fadnavis, the local 'bhumiputras'-the original inhabitants of the land-were firm that an immediate resolution was expected....