Nepal Maoists lift ban on screening of Bollywood films

The ban imposed on screening of Hindi movies by the breakaway faction of the ruling Maoists was lifted today ahead of the Hindu festival of Vijaya Dashami.

The ban on screening of Hindi movies was imposed ten days ago at the call made by the breakaway Maoist faction led by hardliner Mohan Vaidya, while launching a movement claiming to protect national sovereignty.

The ban has been lifted owing to festive season, a statement issued by the party said today.

The CPN(M), which broke away from the UCPN (Maoist) in June, had decided to ban the plying of vehicles bearing Indian number plates and screening of "vulgar" Hindi movies as part of their movement to "protect" national sovereignty.

Banning Hindi films will not help in promoting Nepali films, said Tirtha Thapa, senior film director and president of Nepal Cultural Association.

The government should take active initiatives to promote Nepali language films and create an atmosphere for healthy competition, he pointed out.