Screening of ' Aarakshan' banned in Punjab

After UP, the Punjab government has also imposed a ban on the release of Prakash Jha's controversial Hindi film Aarakshan'(Reservation) in the state following apprehensions that some scenes and dialogues may trigger trouble.

The Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP government said the ban will remain in force till screening committee constituted by the state previews the movie and submits its report.

The decision to ban the Amitabh Bachchan-Saif Ali Khan starrer was taken after receiving intelligence reports that 'Aarakhshan' has certain scenes/dialogues which may inflame the passion of some communities in Punjab, an official spokesman said today.

Yesterday, the Mayawati government had banned the film in UP for two months on the grounds that it could create law and order problem in the state.

The decision to ban the film which is due to hit the screens on Friday was taken following a recommendation by a high level official committee set up by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) government.

"The main theme of the movie is about commercialisation of education followed by several objectionable dialogues against people from backward communities. There is no discussion on reservation in its second half. We have asked the Censor Board to make necessary changes in it," National

The Punjab government has constituted a seven-member committee consisting of Samir Kumar, IAS, Secretary Home, Raj Kumar Atihai, Chairman Safai Karamchari Board, Punjab and Vijay Danav, Chairman, Scheduled Caste Welfare Board and a member of the Punjab Scheduled Caste Commission.

Others on the Committee will be V K Bhawra, Inspector General, Intelligence, Vice Chancellor Punjabi University, Patiala and Vice Chancellor Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar.

The Committee will give its report tomorrow after viewing the film, the official said.

A nine-member team of the Censor Board had given a U/A certificate to the film without any cuts.