Heavy Security for Cinema Theaters in Mumbai: To protect "My name is Khan"

In 1974, when Late Chief Minister and matinee Idol MGR starred "Netru-Indru-Naalai"(Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow) was released ,after the start of his own political party All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam(AIADMK), it faced trouble in hitting screens and was hence given a full CRPF protection by the central government in the halls in which it was released in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Similar to that situation, Maharashtra Government today made heavy security arrangements at Mumbai city cinema theaters ahead of tomorrow's release of Shah Rukh Khan starred 'My Name Is Khan' which is facing the Shiv Sena's ire.

Over 1,600 Sena activists, including functionaries, have been arrested in the last two days to thwart protests by the Sena, who is demanding Shah Rukh to apologize for his remarks favoring Pakistani players in IPL-3.

"Elaborate security measures have been adopted to ensure no untoward incident happens (before and after the release of the movie). Nobody would be spared for taking law into their hands," said Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil.

The theater-owners have been asked to install night vision cameras that would enable police to identify troublemakers in case of any untoward incident.

As the stand-off between Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Government continues ahead of tomorrow's release of Shah Rukh's film, the Sena on Thursday claimed, the state government prevented a meeting between party chief Bal Thackeray and the actor.

"Khan had expressed willingness to meet Thackeray after his US trip to resolve the issue. However, the ruling Congress-NCP combine foiled the bid, saying the government was capable of tackling the Shiv Sainiks," Shiv Sena said in the party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

In an editorial titled 'My Name is Ashok Khan', Saamana flayed Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, saying he was siding with Khan, "a Pakistan lover", to retain his chief ministerial chair.

- Asian Tribune -