Protests against Dera chief movie

Protests erupted in several parts of Punjab and Haryana on Friday after Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan-starrer “MSG-Messenger of God” was cleared for release late on Thursday.

Political parties, including the Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) in Haryana along with various Sikh organisations, have demanded a ban on the movie on the grounds that the film could flare up communal sentiments.

The Rapid Action Force and the police staged a flag march in Amritsar and Bathinda. A complete review of the security arrangements were made in Haryana during a meeting chaired by the Haryana DGP.

In Haryana’s Hisar, protesters burnt an effigy of the Dera chief, who is not only the lead actor but also the director and singer. 

Political parties said the movie glorifies superstition and blind faith. Sikh organisations and some political parties have been opposed to the Dera since long.