‘Expect UK To Take Strong Action’: India On Violent Protests Against ‘Emergency’ Movie

What Did MEA Say On ‘Emergency’ Screening Disruption In UK?

At a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed concerns over the reports and said that the Indian government consistently raises issues of violent protests and intimidation.

“We have also seen several reports on how the film, ‘Emergency’, which was being screened in several halls were being obstructed. 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 expressed hope that the UK will take appropriate action against those involved in the incidents.

“We hope that the UK side will take appropriate action against those responsible. Our High Commission in London remains in touch in regular communication with our community members for safety and benefits," Jaiswal said.

British MP Raises Issue In Parliament

British Member of Parliament Bob Blackman, who is an Opposition MP, alleged in the House of Commons that “masked Khalistani terrorists" threatened people in north-west London as the spectators thronged to the theatres to watch the film.

The Conservative Party MP urged the UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to intervene in the matter and issue a statement in this regard.

The MP further claimed that similar disruptions in the screening of the film took place in Birmingham, Manchester, Wolverhampton, Slough, and Staines, which led to the theatres deciding to stop the screening of the “very controversial film".

“On Sunday, many of my constituents gathered and paid for a screening of the film Emergency in the Harrow Vue cinema. At about 30 or 40 minutes into the screening of the film, masked Khalistani terrorists burst in, threatened members of the audience, and forced the screening to end," the British MP told the Parliament.

Stating that the film is “very controversial", he said that he would not speak on the content of the movie and added that he would defend the “right of my constituents" to be able to watch the film and decide for themselves.

“It covers the period when Indira Gandhi was the prime minister of India," he said.

Blackman said that there are opinions in the country that the film is “anti-Sikh", however, said that the people watching the movie should be the ones to judge and not be “threatened by thugs who want to disrupt democratic opportunities to see public films".

“May we have a statement from the Home Secretary next week on what will be done to ensure that people who want to see such films, which have been passed by censors, can do so in peace and harmony? I absolutely defend the right of people to demonstrate outside cinemas, but not to disrupt viewings," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)