New Delhi, Jan 24 (UNI) India today said that freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively, amid incidents of Khalistani elements disrupting the screening of Kangana Ranaut’s new film ‘Emergency’ in several halls in the UK. The film is based on the Emergency imposed by former PM Indira Gandhi in 1975.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, at a briefing, expressed hope that the UK government will take appropriate action in the matter.
“The film Emergency screened in several halls was being obstructed. We have consistently raised with the UK government incidents of violent protests and intimidation by anti-India elements.
“Freedom of speech and expression cannot be applied selectively, and those obstructing it must be held accountable.
“We hope the UK side will take appropriate action against those responsible. Our High Commission in London remains in touch with our community members for their safety and welfare. So we expect the UK side to take strong appropriate action in this matter,” he reiterated.
The issue was raised by Bob Blackman, Conservative MP for Harrow East, in the House of Commons.
He said in a post on X: “I raised the horrific intimidation of my constituents and many others, as Pro-Khalistan thugs disrupted screenings of the new "Emergency" film in cinemas.
“Some cinemas have even pulled the film in fear of more disruption.
“We must stand up to anyone trying to silence free speech.”
He said in the House of Commons:
“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, and threatened members of the audience and forced the screening to end.
“I understand similar disruptions took place in Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Slough, Staines and Manchester.
“As a result few cinema halls and Cineworld have pulled the cinema from being screened.
“Now, the film is very controversial, and I am not commenting on the quality or content of the film, but I do defend the right of my constituents and others to be able to view the film 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 I think members of our constituency should be able to see this film and judge for themselves and not be threatened by thugs who want to disrupt democratic opportunities to see topic films.”
In March 2023, during a demonstration by Khalistanis outside the Indian High Commission in London, one of the men climbed the balcony of the Indian mission and tried to pull down the Indian flag and replace it with a Khalistani flag. India had then strongly raised the matter with the UK government.
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