New Delhi: After multiple screenings of the movie Emergency were reportedly disrupted in the UK, India has urged London to take “strong appropriate action”, emphasising that freedom of speech and expression “cannot be applied selectively”.
Over the weekend, reports emerged that a London cinema hosting a screening of the film was disrupted by masked individuals, allegedly Khalistani supporters. UK Conservative lawmaker Bob Blackman said in parliament on Thursday (January 23) that there were similar incidents in Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Slough, Staines and Manchester.
During the weekly press briefing on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that it had taken note of the film’s screening in the UK being obstructed in several halls.
“We consistently raise concerns with the UK government regarding incidents of violent protest and intimidation by anti-India elements. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively and those obstructing it must be held accountable,” he said.
Jaiswal added that he hoped the UK would take “appropriate action against those responsible”.
He further stated, “Our high commission in London remains in regular communication with our community members for their safety and welfare. We expect the UK side to take strong, appropriate action in this matter.”
At the House of Commons on Thursday, Blackman described the film as “very controversial”, clarifying that he was not “commenting on its quality or content”.
He said,
“… But I defend the right of my constituents and other Members’ constituents to be able to view it and make a decision on it. It covers the period when Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India. It is very controversial, and there are certain views that it is an anti-Sikh film, but our constituents should be able to see the film and judge for themselves, and not be threatened by thugs who want to disrupt democratic opportunities to see public films.”
Speaking on behalf of the Labour government, Lucy Powell, the Leader of the House, called it a “very important matter” as it pertained to “the relationship between free speech and the right to protest peacefully, and the ability of people to go about their activities freely whatever they choose to do, whether that is seeing a film which, as he says, has been agreed by the censors and all those who look at those issues.”
She added, “I will certainly ensure that he and the whole House get an update on the very important matters he raises.”
The film, directed and starring actress Kangana Ranaut, has reportedly not been screened in cinema houses across Punjab following a call by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee after its launch last week.
