New Delhi, May 29
The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) has appreciated Bollywood star Aamir Khan’s “steadfast upholding of the cause of people displaced by Sardar Sarovar Dam” and termed the boycott of his film “Fanaa” in Gujarat as a “symptom of fanaticism”.
“The boycott of 'Fanaa' declared by the BJP Yuva Morcha and hesitatingly supported by the Gujarat Congress is nothing but a symbol of fanaticism. These kind of intimidating tactics are used by Gujarati politicians out of timidity and intolerance because they realise the civil society’s strength and support to the NBA, especially that of eminent persons joining us,’’ NBA leader Medha Patkar said in a statement.
She hoped that not only Bollywood artistes or activists all over, but the common people would also support both Aamir Khan and the people in the Narmada valley.
“Antics of BJP workers in Gujarat to withhold forcibly the showing of “Fanaa” is a grim reminder of the increasing intolerance and fascism in public life and state support for such antics. It is also a dangerous trend to suppress the freedom to express dissenting opinions,” the NBA said.
Describing the ban on the film in the state as an unlawful action, it said, ''since the censor board has cleared the film, no political forum can go against it, and if it does, a legal action may also be initiated.’’
The NBA said:
“It is somewhat similar to communal outbreak. Whether in the name of religion or development, intolerance is unacceptable''.
Meanwhile, the NBA has written to members of the Sardar Sarovar Oversight Group, calling the research methodology followed by surveyors “inadequately designed and not quite proper for an unbiased investigation into the legality of R&D work”.
