Khalistani protest at UK screening of Kangana Ranaut’s emergency sparks parliamentary debate

London: The British Parliament has addressed concerns over incidents during the screening of Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency, after protests by Khalistani groups disrupted showings in several UK cities.

Conservative MP Bob Blackman condemned the actions, labeling the protesters as “goons and terrorists” and calling the disruptions a violation of British citizens’ rights.

The issue arose following an incident last Sunday when masked protesters entered cinemas in Harrow, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Slough, Steyn, and Manchester, halting screenings of the film.

Shouting pro-Khalistan slogans, they allegedly threatened audiences and security staff, leading many theatres to suspend the film’s screenings.

Speaking in Parliament, Blackman recounted his experience in Harrow, where a group of militants disrupted the movie 30-40 minutes after it began.

“This is about the democratic rights of my constituents and others to watch the film and form their own views,” he said.

Emergency, a film based on Indira Gandhi’s tenure as India’s Prime Minister, has sparked controversy, with some viewing it as anti-Sikh. Blackman, however, refrained from commenting on the film’s content, focusing instead on citizens’ rights.

“One must not allow thugs to intimidate and disrupt democratic rights,” he stated, urging measures to ensure the safety of viewers.

Blackman also supported peaceful protests outside cinemas but criticized acts of intimidation within. He called for proper steps to be taken by next week to guarantee public safety at screenings.