PUCL demands to allow screening of Parzania in Gujarat

Ahmedabad, Feb 22 (UNI) People's Union For Civil Liberties Gujarat Unit secretary Gautam Thaker in a memorandum to Gujarat Governor Navalkishore Sharma, demanded allowing the screening of ''Parzania'' in the state.

''Moral policemen in Gujarat have called for the ban on the movie, following which theatre owners in the state are scared of screening the film,'' Mr Thaker said in the memorandum.

''Since the Censor Board has cleared the film, the State government in Gujarat should also clear it,'' Mr Thaker said.

''As the first citizen of the state and constituion head, we request you to release the film in the state and see to it that the state government take requisite steps to ensure its safe screening,'' Mr Thaker told the Governor in the memorandum.

Meanwhile, PUCL also passed a resolution condemning the government for being 'inactive' in screening of film Parzania and demanded to step up to protect the freedom of expression. The resolution said that the release of 'Parzania' in Gujarat is being stalled by unconstitutional and illegal means.

Maintaining law and order in the State is the State government's responsibility. However, it appears that the government is supporting fascist agenda of the moral police, he said.

Based on a 'true' story, 'Parzania' revolves around a Parsi family in Ahmedabad, which was targetted during 2002 communal violence.

UNI