Gujjars demand ban on 'Aarakshan' in J&K

Voicing their objection against the screening of Prakash Jha's Aarakshan in Jammu and Kashmir, Gujjars Friday demanded a ban on the film in the state.

The protesters alleged the film hurts the sentiments of the backward and suppressed sections of the society.

"Gujjars and other marginalized groups demand an immediate ban on the screening of the film in the state as it hurts the sentiments of the backward and suppressed sections of society," Secretary of Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, Dr Javaid Rahi said.

"A team from our organisation who viewed the film, has decided to oppose the screening of the controversial movie in J&K," Rahi said.

Rahi said the concept of reservation has not been properly projected in the film.

"ST/SC/OBC constitute a substantial chunk of J&K's population so government should respect our sentiments and ban the screening of Aarakshan in the state," he said, adding the government should act soon since the film was already banned in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh.