In view of threats given by many Hindu and Rajput organisations against release of Sanjay leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmaavat’ movie slated for January 25, the cops and State administration of U’khand are in a State of alert. The intelligence agencies in the State are also reported to have warned the State about possibilities of resentment taking a violent turn if the movie is released in Uttarakhand.
In the report, the intelligence dept has said that the police and other agencies should be in a State of alert on the highly emotive issue and that things can take violent turn if not handled properly. A virulent campaign against the movie is in social networking sites also is currently going on with some people even threatening self immolation if the movie is screened in the State.
like in many parts of the country protests are continuing in U’khand which has a sizeable population of Rajputs against Padmaavat. Political parties and Hindu organisations like Shiv Sena and Bajrang Dal have also come out in open against the release of the movie.
On Monday the representatives of Uttarakhand Kshatriya Mahasangh (UKM), an umbrella organisation of different Rajput organisations descended at different cinema halls and multiplexes and warned against screening of the movie which according to them hurts their sentiments. Under pressure many cinema hall owners are reportedly not keen to screen Padmaavat in Dehradun.
The convener of UKM, Ratan Singh Chauhan told The Pioneer that the issue is not limited to only Rajputs protesting against the movie now as all Hindu groups have lent their support to the protest. He said that if the movie is released in U’khand then every possible effort would be made to stall within legal boundaries.
Meanwhile, on his Facebook page, Hari Krishan Kimothi, co convener of ‘Uttarakhand Raksha Abhiyan’ has threatened self immolation if Padmaavat is released . Talking to The Pioneer, Kimothi said, “Both Rajputs and Brahmins of State owe their origin to Rajasthan and being residents of Dev Bhoomi it is our responsibility to protect the honour of our heroes. How can Bhansali show dance of queen PadmavatiIJ If these elements are not opposed now then they can go to the extent of derogating Sita Mata.’’
When contacted, the Additional Director General , law and Order, Ashok Kumar said that the dept is keeping its close watch on the situation. He said only peaceful protests would be allowed