Screening of Aarakshan banned in Punjab

Chandigarh, Aug 11 (PTI) The Punjab government
has also imposed a ban on the release of Indian director
Prakash Jha's controversial Hindi film Aarakshan'(Reservation)
in the state following apprehensions that some scenes and
dialogues may trigger trouble.
The Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP government said the ban will
remain in force till screening committee constituted by the
state previews the movie and submits its report.
The decision to ban the Amitabh Bachchan-Saif Ali Khan
starrer was taken after receiving intelligence reports that
'Aarakhshan' has certain scenes/dialogues which may inflame
the passion of some communities in Punjab, an official
spokesman said Thursday.
On Wednesday, the Mayawati government had banned the film
in UP for two months on the grounds that it could create law
and order problem in the state.
The decision to ban the film which is due to hit the
screens on Friday was taken following a recommendation by a
high level official committee set up by the Bahujan Samaj
Party (BSP) government.
"The main theme of the movie is about commercialisation
of education followed by several objectionable dialogues
against people from backward communities. There is no
discussion on reservation in its second half. We have asked
the Censor Board to make necessary changes in it," National
Commission for Scheduled Castes Chairman P L Punia said.
The Punjab government has constituted a seven-member
committee consisting of Samir Kumar, IAS, Secretary Home, Raj
Kumar Atihai, Chairman Safai Karamchari Board, Punjab and
Vijay Danav, Chairman, Scheduled Caste Welfare Board and a
member of the Punjab Scheduled Caste Commission.
Others on the Committee will be V K Bhawra, Inspector
General, Intelligence, Vice Chancellor Punjabi University,
Patiala and Vice Chancellor Guru Nanak Dev University
Amritsar.
The Committee will give its report tomorrow after viewing
the film, the official said.
A nine-member team of the Censor Board had given a U/A
certificate to the film without any cuts.