Amarinder for uncensored release of 'Udta Punjab' in Amritsar

Punjab Congress Chief Amarinder Singh today said he has written to producers of Bollywood film "Udta Punjab", requesting them to provide him uncensored CDs of the drug-themed movie to release it in Amritsar on June 17.
Singh said he will then release the "uncensored" copies of "Udta Punjab" in Majitha town of Amritsar district on June 17, the scheduled release date of the movie which is in the eye of an escalating censorship row.
"Since Majitha, like Mexico, is the epicentre of drug trade in Punjab, it was decided to release the movie there, Singh said in a statement here.

The MP from Amritsar said he has written to the producers of the movie, Anurag Kashyap and Ekta Kapoor, urging them to provide the uncensored CDs so that he can release it on the scheduled date to coincide with the film's worldwide release.
"The purpose of releasing the movie in Majitha was to tell ruling Akalis and BJP that no matter to what extent they try to go to gag the truth, I will expose it at any cost," Singh said.
"Not only do we want to highlight the harsh reality of Punjab but also assert the right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by our Constitution which is being infringed upon by BJP at the behest of Akalis, using the Censor Board", he alleged in his letter to the producers.

"I guarantee you that I will take the entire responsibility of the legal implications, if any, for releasing the uncensored CDs as we want truth to be told no matter at what price", he said.

Congratulating the producers for portraying the "harsh
reality" of Punjab on big screen, he said the people of the state acknowledge with heartfelt gratitude the producers' efforts to present their plight to the world.
"And they will do everything to ensure that the noble purpose with which the movie has been made is served well," he said.
The Congress leader also attacked the Censor Board chief Pahlaj Nihalani for his unfailing devotion towards BJP with his "irrational" attitude and "utterances".

"His behaviour during the ongoing controversy over Udta Punjab is enough to remove and disqualify him for any such future assignments", Singh said and pointed out how Nihalani had started levelling accusations against the producers of the movie.