New Delhi: The Centre on Friday convened a
meeting to review the situation and assured all help to the
Maharashtra government in the wake of strong protests by the
Shiv Sena in Mumbai over release of Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'My
Name is Khan'.
Highly-placed sources said the Home Ministry officials
are in touch with Maharashtra government and constantly
keeping a check on the situation and would send central
paramilitary force personnel in case of need.
"Maharashtra government has so far not sought any
paramilitary force from us. But if they ask, we are ready to
provide," the sources said.
The meeting was chaired by Union Home Secretary G K
Pillai and was attended by senior officials including Special
Secretary (Internal Security) U K Bansal among others.
Defying the Shiv Sena threat, some theatres in Mumbai
screened the movie. Amid the cloud of uncertainty, six
multiplexes and four single screen cinemas cancelled the
morning shows but went ahead with post-noon shows following an
overwhelming public response.
Notwithstanding the Maharashtra government's reassurance
about adequate security at all cinemas, theatre-owners had
voiced their concerns over possible attacks by Sena activists
threatening to disrupt screenings unless Khan apologised for
supporting inclusion of Pakistani cricketers in the IPL.
PTI
First Published: Friday, February 12, 2010, 17:04