Amid protests by Muslim outfits, ‘The Kerala Story’ hits screens in TN, amid tight security

Chennai, May 5 (UNI) – The Kerala Story | Amid protests by various Muslim outfits, the controversial film ‘The Kerala Story’, which had allegedly depicted women from Kerala joining terror outfit ISIS, hit the screens in Tamil Nadu under tight security, with the deployment of police personnel in front of theatres.

All those entering the theatres where the film was screened, were allowed entry after intensive checks and after ensuring that theydid not carry any objectional material or papers with them. A large number of police personnel were deployed in the theatres where the film was being screened after the Supreme Court and the Madras High Court dismissed the pleas seeking a ban on the film.

Meanwhile, protests were held in Coimbatore, Chennai and some other parts of Tamil Nadu against the screening of the film, prompting the police to detain them.

A report from Coimbatore said, more than 50 members of the Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam attempted to lay siege to a shopping mall where the film was screened.

Apart from demanding ban on the film, they also shouted slogans against its screening. Tension prevailed for a while due to jostling between the police and the protestors. However, police acted swiftly and arrested them and took them in a waiting van.

There were protests in Chennai too with members of SDPI and otheroufits staging agitations in at least five places in the city. More than 200 SDPI activists staged a protest in front of the Express Avenue Mall at Royapettah area in the city and shouted slogans. A large number of police personnel were posted in view of the protests.

Ahead of the release, State DGP C.Sylendra Babu has directed all the City Police Commissioners and District Superintendents of Police in the State to provide security outside theatres screening the movie following intelligence reports about protests and agitations outside the halls screening the movie.

Ever since the contentious claims made in the movie promos, Muslim outfits have sought a ban on the movie’s release. To prevent any untoward incident, Mr Babu issued a eight point charter to the officers to ensure proper security. The officials have been directed to deploy adequate manpower in all theatres screening the movie.

Police have also been asked to conduct anti-sabotage checks in theatres and viewers maybe frisked with the assistance of theatre security staff. “Police pickets with proper security gears and equipments shall be posted in sensitive places, where law and order issues are anticipated. Swift action should be taken against protestors if they indulge in violence,” he said and asked the Commissioners and SP’s to monitor social media for inflammatory contents and remove any posters objecting the film.

“Strict vigil shall be maintained and developments if any shall be reported at once to the control room. Take other precautionary measures deemed fit to avert any incident affecting public order, ” the DGP said.
 

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