'Conspiracy to discredit Kashmir Files', PM Modi slams 'Jamaat' slamming movie
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the critics of Anupam Kher starrer The Kashmir Files, saying those people who claim to be flagbearers of freedom of speech are furious over the truth shown in the film
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesdayalleged there was a conspiracy to discredit the just released film ‘The Kashmir Files’, depicting the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley in 1990. “Those people who claim to be flagbearers of freedom of speech, are furious for the past 5-6 days. Instead of praising the film based on facts, they are out to discredit Kashmir Files,” the prime minister said.
“The makers decided to project what they considered to be true. But they are neither ready to understand and accept the truth. A conspiracy is being hatched for the past 5-6 days,” he added.
“My issue is not the film, but the need to bring out the truth in national interests. Those who disagree with this film can make their own on the basis of their perception,” Modi said, saying that some critics are upset that the truth that was deliberately hidden is now coming out in the open.
The prime minister's remarks come amid criticism the makers of the film are facing with certain sections accusing the film of harbouring a communal agenda.
Political slugfest has already erupted after the Congress' Kerala unit posted a tweet blaming the Bharatiya Janata Party for the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus. However, the tweet was later deleted with the Congress assuring to look into the matter.
Directed by Vivek Agnihotri, the film depicts the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits after they were systematically targeted by Pakistan-backed terrorists in 1990.
The film stars Anupam Kher, Pallavi Joshi, Darshan Kumaar and Mithun Chakraborty in pivotal roles.
Several BJP-ruled states including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh have declared the film entertainment tax-free. At the box office, the film has generated ₹42 crore in the last four days since its release.
Karnataka Assembly speaker Vishweshwar Kageri on Monday said that a screening of the film should be arranged for the Karnataka legislators.
