Attack on 'PK' assaults freedom of speech and expression: Manish Tewari

Congress leader Manish Tewari on Tuesday said the protests against Aamir Khan starrer 'PK' assaults the freedom of speech and expression, and questioned the silence of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government at the Centre.

"Attack on PK assaults the freedom of Speech and Expression The BJP govt is complicit in it's silence Why are advocates of free speech silent?" he tweeted.

Several right-wing organisations today stepped up attacks on Aamir's recently released PK by vandalizing film theatres in several places.

In the national capital, the protesters stormed a theatre showing the movie and vandalized furniture. They also forced theatre owners to stop the screening.

The Bajrang Dal has alleged that the film is making 'fun' of Hindu gods and godmen, a charge denied by film director and actors.

The protestors burnt Aamir's effigy and also raised slogans against him.

Bajrang Dal leader Shiven Sharma threatened to intensify the agitation if the government did not remove top official of the censor board.

"Through this film the Hindu religion is being maligned. We have been holding peaceful demonstrations for the past few days but the makers of the film and distributors are not listening to our demands. That's why we are vandalizing the movie halls. The government should immediately suspend the director of censor board, otherwise the protests will continue," said Sharma.

Movie buffs across the country slammed the protests.

" I think it's a family movie and doesn't hurt anyone's emotions," said Punit, who watched the movie recently in Jaipur.

Avinash Dwivedi, another viewer from Lucknow, expressed similar views.

"Some people are having wrong point of view while seeing the film," said Dwivedi.