Jammu: JKSUF stages protest against 'MSG' release

Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Sikh United Front (JKSUF) on Friday staged a protest against release of the film 'The Messenger of God' (MSG), portraying Dera Sacha Sauda sect chief, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

The protesters shouted slogans against Singh and burnt posters of 'MSG' as the film which hits the silver screen today.

"In this movie, he (self-styled spiritual leader) has portrayed himself as God against religions -Sikh, Hindu and Muslims and we will not accept this," said General Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir Sikh United Front, Avtar Singh Khalsa.

The film, which features the self-styled spiritual leader in jewel-studded costume riding motorbikes, drew severe criticism in Punjab and led to violence in some parts.

Several Sikh groups had demanded a ban on the film, in which they say Singh distorted their scriptures and dressed up as a 17th-century Sikh guru.

In view of the film's release, police in Chandigarh city have beefed up security to avoid any untoward incident.

"We have taken all preventive measure and have arranged for proper deployment. We have sensitized the staff that there should not be any problem in law and order wherever the movie has been released. People can come and watch the movie," said Jagbir Singh, Deputy Superintendent (DSP) of Crime, Chandigarh.

However, some people are enthusiastic about the movie and lined up outside movie halls to watch the film.

"This movie makes us watch the film in a different way as it sends the message of ending social ills which has not been projected by any one before," said moviegoer, Vinay Kumar.

'MSG' hit headlines when the entire censor board resigned after an appeals tribunal reversed the panel's decision to keep the film out of theatres for being too promotional.