Digvijay Singh extends support to Pakistani actors, says they are `unnecessarily being hounded`

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP Digvijay Singh on Saturday broke his silence on the Pakistani artistes controversy. The 69-year-old politician extended his support to the Pak actors by saying that they are 'unnecessarily being hounded' in India.

Digvijay also stated that these stars can be our best ambassadors in Pakistan. "Pakistani Actors in India are unnecessarily being hounded. They can be our best Ambassadors in a hostile Country like Pakistan," he tweeted.

India-Pakistan tensions have worsened following a terror attack which killed 19 Indian soldiers. The Indian Army then carried out surgical attacks on terrorist launch pads in Pakistani territory.

Since then, Pakistani artistes are facing a huge backlash in India.

Even the Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India (COEAI) on Friday announced that movies featuring Pakistani actors - starting with Karan Johar's forthcoming "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" - won't be screened in single screen theatres in Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat. 

Welcoming the decision, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena also said the move "reflects and respects peoples" sentiments.

However, a Home Ministry official has said the government has no problem in issuing visas to Pakistani artistes.

The MNS had earlier warned Pakistani actors to quit India and said it would not let movies - including 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' and 'Raees' - to release.

In response, Pakistani exhibitors had reportedly decided not to screen Indian films in their cinemas.

(With inputs from agencies)