BJP workers protest 'Fanaa' release in Jamnagar

Jamnagar, June 6: Even as a city theatre went ahead with the screening of the Aamir Khan - starrer 'Fanaa' this afternoon, around 20 BJP workers gathered at the theatre and shouted slogans and displayed posters against the actor, whose remarks in support of Narmada Bachao Andolan and rehabilitation of oustees had sparked-off a controversy in the State.

''They just shouted slogans and tried to dissuade people from watching the movie, and later left the scene,'' said police inspector B B Bhedi, who is overseeing the security arrangements at the theatre. ''The situation is very much under control,'' he added.

About 1,000 people are at present watching the film in the 1,164-seat theatre, said theatre management sources.

The Amber Cinema is the first theatre in the State to screen the film, after Multiplex Owners' Association decided not to release it in the State to protest the actor's remarks, which they termed as ''anti-Gujarati.'' However, Amber Cinema owner Vimal Madaam categorically said he would screen 'Fanaa' as it was his business to show films. ''I have nothing to do with what the Association says or what views anybody (Aamir Khan) has about an issue,'' he told UNI.

The Single Theatre Owners' Association is at present holding a meeting to assess the fallout of Ambar Cinema decision. Meanwhile, Multiplex Owners' Association president Manubhai Patel said the multiplex owners are still firm on their stand and will not screen the movie.

About the security measures, Deputy Superintendent of Police R M Pandey said two police inspectors and four sub-inspectors, apart from 30 constables have been deployed at the theatre as part of the bandobast. ''We are taking all precautionary measures to ward-off any security problem,'' he said.

UNI

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