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The Indian government has expressed deep concern after protests by Khalistan supporters in Britain against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and actress Kangana Ranaut’s film ‘Emergency’. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has demanded immediate action from the UK government on this issue.
MEA statement
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a press conference on Friday,
“We have raised concerns with the UK government over incidents of violent protests and intimidation by anti-India elements. “We hope that those responsible for this incident will be held accountable.”
Jaiswal said that freedom of expression cannot be selectively enforced and strict action should be taken against the elements behind these disruptions.
What is the reason for the protest?
- British Sikh organizations allege:
Pro-Khalistan organizations and Sikh Press Association (Sikh PA) claim that the film ‘Emergency’ is anti-Sikh. - Film screening disrupted:
- Screenings of the film were canceled due to protests in areas such as Birmingham and Wolverhampton.
- Protests in cinema halls led to incidents of intimidating audiences and stopping the screening of films.
A community organization called Insight UK posted a video on social media, showing protesters blocking a screening of the film at the Harrow Cinema in north-west London.
Controversy over the film ‘Emergency’
The film, directed by and starring Kangana Ranaut, is based on the life of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
- The film depicts the political and social conditions during the Emergency of 1975.
- The protesters have termed it as anti-Sikh propaganda.
Britain’s opposition MP’s reaction
Britain’s Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman demanded intervention from Britain’s Home Minister regarding this incident.
- Blackman said people in his constituency were intimidated by masked Khalistani supporters at the Harrow Cinema.
- He told,
“On Sunday, during a film screening in Harrow, Khalistani supporters barged in, threatened the audience and forced the film to be closed down.”
Blackman also said that similar incidents occurred in cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, Slough and Staines.
cinema hall reaction
- Major cinema operators such as Vue and Cineworld have taken the ’emergency’ decision to remove many UK cinemas.
- Due to these incidents, the cinema hall management decided to stop the screening of the film due to security reasons.
tough stance of
The Government of India has appealed to the British Government to take immediate action on this matter.
- The MEA has called on the UK government to ensure that freedom of expression and audience safety are given priority.
- India has clarified that such incidents can affect the relations between the two countries.