Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Ferozepur, More than 100 cinema halls have been booked by the Dera Sacha Sauda for the scheduled release of a film ,“Messenger of God”, that features sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim in lead role. He plays a legendary hero fighting social ills single-handedly.A dera worker said a large number of followers had received tickets for the mega premiere of the movie that would be held in Delhi or Sirsa. Sources said the Premis (as dera followers are known) had started mobilising the people to attend the premiere, for which boarding and lodging arrangements were also being made.So far, over 250 people have been confirmed from this border town alone for the premiere. “Though a ticket for the premiere would cost Rs 2,000, it has been left to individuals how much they want to contribute,” said Kulwant Singh, dera’s Ferozepur circle in charge. In Ferozepur district, which has been divided into seven zones, the dera workers have been told to ensure at least 70,000 viewers and take them to cinema halls where the movie shall be screened.While the Premis seemed enthusiastic, the police are on tenterhooks, fearing hullabaloo over the release of the film, which has been opposed by certain Sikh bodies. “We too are concerned about the controversy being created by some organisations. But it is totally uncalled for. The film aims at promoting peace and communal harmony, and not hurting anyone’s sentiments,” said Kulwant. The police have already tightened security at all those places where ‘Naam Charcha (dera’s religious congregation)’ is being held. “Almost five to seven such meetings are held every week and it becomes cumbersome for us to make adequate security arrangements each time,” said a police official.Last month, more than 10 persons were injured in a clash between the Premis and members of certain Sikh groups, including Ek Noor Khalsa Fauj, near Jogewala village at Makhu in the district. The Sikh groups were opposing ‘Naam Charcha’, which triggered violence, forcing the police to fire gunshots in the air to disperse the mob.“We are already on high alert following reports of the movie posters being damaged at some locations. Given the history of clashes between the dera followers and the Sikh clergy, the controversy over the release of the movie looks inevitable,” said another official.
