Mumbai, Nov 17 (IANS): The Shiv Sena Saturday assured that their ailing leader Bal Thackeray was fighting like a "warrior" and his health was "improving".

In a statement in the party mouthpiece Saamna to mollify anxious supporters, the Shiv Sena said a team of doctors was constantly attending to the leader.

"Millions of Shiv Sainiks have been praying for his recovery. It is because of their devotion and prayers that the Sena chief's health has improved. Doctors have said his heart and pulse beats have improved," the statement said.

A team of doctors from Lilavati Hospital, comprising Jaleel Parker, Prakash Jiyandani, Samad Ansari, assisted by Shiv Sena legislator Deepak Sawant, have said that Thackeray's health is improving.

According to party leaders, an ICU had been created at Matoshri, the Thackeray residence in Bandra east, with all emergency equipment and medical and para-medical staff on duty round-the-clock.

"The oxygen level in Thackeray's blood is 98 percent, his pulse and heart beats and blood pressure are normal," the statement added.

Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray has convened a meeting of party corporators in the Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) later Saturday to apprise them of the Sena chief's health.

Thackeray's health has caused grave concern since last Wednesday, with Mumbai virtually observing a shutdown Thursday.

The Mumbai Police have deployed tight security around Matoshri and Bandra east areas to prevent any untoward incident.

A stream of VVIP visitors continued at Matoshri Friday to enquire about his health.

However, as news of his improving health started trickling in, normal activities resumed Saturday.

Thousands of party workers and well-wishers, who had gathered outside Matoshri began dispersing, though a small crowd of vigilantes still remain.