Madurai: Kashmir Files, an Indian film focusing on the exodus of thousands of Hindus from Indian-administered Kashmir that won accolades from Prime Minister Modi is fanning anti-Muslim sentiments. Members of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has submitted a petition to District Collector S Aneesh Sekhar urging him not to screen ‘Kashmir Files’ movie at theatres.
They have alleged that a section of people are trying to create communal disharmony. Recently, the ‘Hijab’ controversy and Haridwar Dharam Sansad’s hate speech against the Muslim community cannot be ruled out that even a minor incident may create communal tension and affect the law and order situation. SDPI President (Madurai North) A Bilal Deen stated that the movie has content that hurt religious sentiments.
“Screening of the movie has created controversies in many places across the country. We also want to point out that recently on 20 March, at a theatre in Tenkasi district, BJP members and supporters shouted slogans and took a pledge that was disrespectful and against religious minorities, promoting religious disharmony.”
SDPI further urged to ensure that such incidents don’t happen in Madurai and to maintain communal/religious peace by not allowing screening of the movie in Tamil or other languages at any theatres and also prevent any illegal screening of the movie by use of projectors. There is a clear pattern in the manner in which it is being used to promote hatred and incite violence against Muslims. And this campaign is being led by Hindutva activists and organizations that have a long history of such incitement. Times of India
