"'Emergency', directed by Ranaut, was released on January 17; Ranaut is also a BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi. (DT File Photo)"
(Shimla) Himachal Pradesh, Kumud Sharma, January 24:
On Friday, India voiced its concern over the disruptions caused by “pro-Khalistani elements” during screenings of the Kangana Ranaut-starrer Emergency in the UK. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the interference and called for those responsible to be held accountable. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the challenges of safeguarding freedom of expression and the growing influence of such groups in international settings.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed India’s hope that those responsible for disrupting screenings of Emergency in the UK would be held accountable. He emphasized that such actions undermine the right to free expression and urged authorities to take appropriate action to ensure such incidents do not recur. Jaiswal’s statement reflects India’s firm stance on protecting cultural and artistic freedoms from any form of interference.
“We consistently raise concerns with the UK government regarding incidents of violent protests and intimidation by anti-India elements,” stated Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. He emphasized that freedom of speech and expression should not be applied selectively and that those obstructing it must be held accountable. Jaiswal further expressed hope that the UK authorities would take appropriate action against those responsible for disrupting the screenings, underscoring the importance of upholding the rights of individuals and ensuring law and order.
Since its release last Friday, some British Sikh groups have organized protests against Emergency, leading to disruptions at various cinemas across the UK. The Sikh Press Association labeled the film as “anti-Sikh,” fueling protests that resulted in canceled screenings in Birmingham and Wolverhampton in the West Midlands. A video shared by community organization Insight UK on social media depicted masked protesters interrupting a London screening of the film. Directed by Kangana Ranaut, who also portrays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the film has sparked intense reactions within certain segments of the Sikh community.
Meanwhile, a Conservative MP has called on the UK Home Secretary to intervene after his constituents in north-west London were reportedly threatened by “masked Khalistani terrorists” who disrupted a screening of Emergency. The MP’s appeal highlights growing concerns over the safety of individuals attending public events and the rising influence of extremist elements, urging the government to take swift action in addressing the situation and protecting citizens from such intimidation.
Bob Blackman, a Conservative MP, informed the House of Commons that disruptions to screenings of the “very controversial” film Emergency had occurred in cities including Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Slough, Staines, and Manchester. The ongoing protests and disturbances led to the Vue and Cineworld cinema chains deciding to pull the film from several theaters across the UK. This has raised concerns about the impact of such actions on freedom of expression and the cinema industry as a whole.
“The film is very controversial, and I am not commenting on its quality or content, but I defend the right of my constituents and other members’ constituents to be able to view it and make a decision on it,” Bob Blackman stated. His remarks underscored the importance of upholding the right to freedom of expression, allowing individuals to form their own opinions without interference, despite the controversy surrounding the film.
The MP acknowledged that some in the UK view Emergency as an “anti-Sikh film,” but emphasized that his constituents should have the right to form their own opinions without facing intimidation. He firmly stated that no one should be “threatened by thugs who want to disrupt democratic opportunities to see public films,” underscoring the importance of safeguarding freedom of choice and expression in a democratic society.
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