HSGMC demands ban on 'Messenger of God', to protest in Sirsa

Haryana Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (HSGMC) has demanded a ban on screening of the controversial film 'Messenger of God (MSG)', featuring Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh, saying they will hold a protest in Sirsa tomorrow, the place where the sect is headquartered.
"We want a ban on the movie. We will be holding a peaceful protest in Sirsa tomorrow as we are strongly against the movie, which if released, can cause tension in the society and hurt religious sentiments of many sections," Jagdish Singh Jhinda, President of HSGMC, said today.
He said Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, "calls himself a saint despite facing serious cases in the courts. How can such a person call himself to be a messenger of God, he only wants to befool the people".

Jhinda said the HSGMC has written to Censor Board, Haryana Government as well as the Centre demanding a ban on screening of the film.
"I have also asked Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh to clarify whether he is a saint or an actor," he said, adding, if the film is released it can pose a threat to law and order problem.
Punjab Government yesterday decided to stop screening of the 'Messenger of God (MSG)' in the state, "in view of reports of tensions surrounding its release in some other parts of the country".

High alerts have been sounded in Punjab and Haryana after protests were staged against the proposed release of the movie. Political parties like SAD and INLD, and several Sikh outfits had taken to the streets in Haryana, Punjab and Delhi protesting against the film.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, on whom the movie is based, had earlier claimed at a press conference in Gurgaon that the film does not target any religious section.
"I have clearly said that I am just human. The acts portrayed in the movie are simply stunts," he had said, in an apparent rejection of criticism from Sikh groups that he was portraying himself as God and Sikh Guru.