Assam CM holds call with Shah Rukh Khan, assures ‘no untoward incident’ ahead of Pathaan’s release

This statement comes a day after the CM had responded to media queries regarding Bajrang Dal’s protest against the release of Pathaan by saying,  ‘‘Who is Shahrukh Khan? I don’t know anything about him or HIS film Pathaan.”

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 22 said that the State will ensure that no untoward incidents take place during the screening of the upcoming film ‘Pathaan’, after he held a telephonic conversation with Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan.

In a tweet, Mr. Sarma said that in an early morning phone call the actor had expressed concern about an incident in Guwahati. “I assured him that it’s duty of state govt to maintain law & order. We’ll enquire and ensure no such untoward incidents,” Mr. Sarma said.

This statement comes a day after the Chief Minister had responded to media queries regarding Bajrang Dal’s protest against the release of ‘Pathaan’ by saying,  ‘‘Who is Shahrukh Khan? I don’t know anything about him or HIS film Pathaan.” On January 20, Bajrang Dal activists had stormed a theatre at Narengi in Guwahati where the film is slated to be screened. The far right-wing group’s volunteers tore down the film’s posters and burnt them.

‘Pathaan’’s upcoming release has raised security concerns for multiplex owners across the country after organisations like the Bajrang Dal and the Hindu Jagran Manch have staged protests against its release.

On January 18, a delegation of multiplex owners in Gujarat met Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi and sought protection to theatres that are scheduled to screen the upcoming film.

Representatives of the association raised concern over threats received by them from various groups which have warned them against screening the movie, which also stars Deepika Padukone.

Meanwhile, the Bajrang Dal said it was firm on its decision to not let the movie hit theatres in Gujarat as a song in the movie “insults” Hindu religion.