An Australia-based Sikh Parishad (Council) has demanded a ban on the release of film ‘Emergency’ starring actress and Lok Sabha MP Kangana Ranaut. He has said that this film can disturb the peace and may increase tension between Sikhs and Hindus.
Terming ‘Emergency’ as a propaganda movie, the Sikh Council alleged that it misrepresents historical events and is ‘disrespectful towards Sikh martyrs’ which will will create unrest in the Sikh Punjabi community.
In a letter to Village Cinemas, an Australia-based multinational film exhibition brand, the Sikh Council wrote, ‘We are very concerned about the screening of this propaganda film in your theaters. The film allegedly depicts the heroic role of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the Sikh martyrs in a manner that is extremely derogatory and misrepresents historical events that are significant and painful for the Sikh community. ‘
It said, ‘The film is likely to create unrest among the Sikh Punjabi community and non-Hindutva supporters and Hindu (BJP-Modi) supporters in Australia.’ The council also said that the release of the film could hinder peace and harmony in the country. It said, ‘The negative portrayal of Sikh community leader Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale in the film has raised concerns.’
The council further said, ‘The screening of this film will increase political tension between the Sikh and Hindu communities of Australia and hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikhs.’ Earlier, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Sri Akal Takht Sahib had demanded a ban on the film. Sri Akal Takht Sahib issued a statement warning the censor board not to release the film.
