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India Calls for Strong Action After Pro-Khalistani Groups Disrupt Screening of 'Emergency' in the UK

'Emergency'

India has condemned the actions of pro-Khalistani groups who disrupted screenings of the film Emergency across the UK, starring actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively and called on the UK to take strong action against those responsible for obstructing the screenings.

The political drama, which portrays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the Emergency period from 1975 to 1977, has sparked controversy due to allegations that it misrepresents the Sikh community.

Pro-Khalistani elements, who oppose the film, have led protests and interrupted screenings in various UK cinemas during its opening weekend. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed concern about the disruptions and stated that the Indian government has consistently raised issues with the UK authorities regarding such violent protests.

"Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively, and those obstructing it must be held accountable," Jaiswal said. He further urged the UK government to take appropriate action and assured that the Indian High Commission in London was in regular contact with the local community for their safety and well-being.

The protests against Emergency were organized by several Sikh organizations, with claims that the film distorts facts about a sensitive period in India's history. A video posted by community group Insight UK showed masked protesters disrupting a screening in Harrow, northwest London.

British MP Bob Blackman, who has defended the right to screen the film, condemned the disruption, stating that "masked Khalistani terrorists" had forced cinema owners to end screenings in multiple locations. In response to these incidents, Kangana Ranaut shared a video on social media, praising Blackman for standing up for free speech and questioning the lack of support from Indian politicians and feminists.

She expressed disappointment over the film’s reception, particularly in Punjab, where it has been banned. Ranaut voiced her sadness that her film was not released in her home state, where she believes her films had previously done well. The film’s release on January 17 saw an impressive box office performance, grossing Rs 12.26 crore in its opening weekend.

Despite the controversies, the filmmakers are focused on continuing the film’s success at the global box office. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor the situation, with spokesperson Jaiswal reiterating India's concerns over the ongoing protests and calling for the UK to uphold the principles of free speech and protect the rights of all individuals to view films without intimidation.

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