In view of the disruptions caused by the pro-Khalistani protesters in the United Kingdom during the screening of Kangana Ranaut- starrer controversial movie 'Emergency', India on Friday said that the extremists who stormed movie theatres across the UK should be held accountable.
The highly debatable political drama that focuses on the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the 21-month-long emergency from 1975 to 1977 was embroiled in controversies after several Sikh organisations across India called for a ban on the film. They claimed that the film misrepresented their community and distorted historical facts.
What did MEA say?
Taking cognisance of the unrest that unfolded over the screening of the controversial film, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said,"We've also seen several reports on how the film 'Emergency', which was being screened in several halls, was being obstructed. We consistently raise concerns with the UK government regarding incidents of violent protests and intimidation by anti-India limits. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively, and those obstructing it must be held accountable."
"We hope that the UK side will take appropriate action against those responsible. Our mission is that our High Commission in London remains in touch and it is in regular communication with our community members for their safety and welfare," Jaiswal further added, as per a report by India Today.
Khalistani protests erupted in UK
During the screening of the movie on its opening week, pro-Khalistani protesters organised protests against Ranaut's 'Emergency', disrupting the film's screening at some cinemas in the UK.
Sharing the video of British MP Bob Blackman who spoke in favor of 'Emergency' and defended its right to be screened, Ranaut praised Blackman for raising his voice.
In the purported video, Blackman was heard saying that "masked Khalistani terrorists" disrupted the screenings across the UK. He said that similar activities took place in others areas of the UK which forced the cinema owners to take down the movie.
"Now, this is a very controversial film. I don't want to comment on the content or the quality of the film, but I do defend the right of others to be able to view the film," Blackman said in the video.
What was the controversy all about?
Kangana Ranaut's film was embroiled in controversies after several Sikh organisations across India, including in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, and other states, called for a ban on the film. They claimed that the film misrepresents their community and figures and distorts historical facts.
They approached the CBFC and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, demanding a ban on the film's screening. The controversies delayed the release of the film, which was earlier scheduled to release on September 6.
As per reports, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) reviewed Emergency again and issued around 13 cuts and changes to the film, passing it with a U/A certificate.
