MP Churchil warns theatres against screening of Da Vinci Code

Panaji, May 19 (UNI) South Goa Congress MP Churchil Alemao today warned the cinema theatres and video parlours against screening the controversial film ''The Da Vinci Code'', cleared by the Censor Board for release with a disclaimer.

Talking to UNI, the former Chief Minister said the Catholic community would not keep quiet if the film was screened against their wishes.

''People are ready to break the theatres and burn even video parlors found exhibiting the film which hurts the religious sentiments of the Catholic community,'' Mr Churchil said.

He, however, did not specify what aspect of the film hurts the sentiments of the community, saying,''It is 100 per cent bad and objectionable film.'' Meanwhile, the film was not scheduled for screening in Goan theatres as of now with the Censor Board trying to get the film producer's consent for running a disclaimer during screening, that it was the work of pure fiction and did not have any intention to hurt the sentiments.

The state government had conveyed the sentiments of the Goan Catholic community and the Archbishop of Goa and Daman against the screening, to the Censor Board and the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry for banning the film.

Catholics comprise more than one third of the Goan community and the Catholic Association of Goa had sent a letter to the government along with a copy of the circular of the Archbishop meant for pastors, priests and parishioners not to entertain the film.

The government took immediate 'cognizance'' of the letter and dashed its reaction to the Censor Board as also I and B ministry after the issue figured in the Cabinet on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the state deputy inspector general of police(crimes) Ujjwal Mishra said Mr Churchil's statement was ''absolutely uncalled for'' and the police was ready to provide the theatres with security cover if necessary.

There was no need for such a statement with the Centre taking decision to allow screening with disclaimer after it took the Church into confidence, he said.

''The law will take its own course if people take law into their own hands,'' Mr Mishra quipped.

The MP was in the eye of a storm as he launched a vituperative campaign against Mopa airport in North Goa.

He was earlier exonerated by parliament for his involvement in the MPLAD scam exposed by a national television channel through a sting operation.

Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane, while participating in the 57th birthday celebrations of Mr Churchil on May 16, wished the latter may be inducted into the Central Cabinet for his good leadership qualities.

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