Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday termed his neighbouring state counterpart Mamata Banerjee's decision to ban 'The Kerala Story' in West Bengal a wrong one.
Sarma, along with his cabinet colleagues and party leaders, watched the movie here.
Speaking to media persons after watching the cinema, he said: "I cannot comment on what is happening in West Bengal. But I must say that banning this movie will not serve its purpose. The movie is not against any community; it is against terrorism. 'The Kerala Story' talks about the conspiracy of a militant organisation, and even innocent Muslim girls can fall into their trap.
"I think whoever has taken the decision to ban the movie... it is the wrong decision. They have taken a stand with the notion that the movie is against Muslims. However, it showed only the brutal design of terror organisations like IS. 'The Kerala Story' was never against any community or religion."
The Assam Chief Minister also suggested that those who are advocating for a ban on this movie must watch 'The Kerala Story' first and then take a decision.
Sarma also congratulated the makers of 'The Kerala Story', and said it will guide children not to fall into the trap of terrorism and religious conversion.
"Watching this movie will educate people to lead a healthy social life," he added.
According to him, 'The Kerala Story' reflects the true story of a certain innocent lady who has been used by the disbanded organisations.
He said: "What I have seen through real-time interviews and social media posts is that Kerala is going through a tough time. I urge the people of that state, irrespective of religion, to raise their voice against the use of innocent girls by terror outfits.
"This movie exposed the design of militant outfits all over the world and showed what has been going on inside terrorist camps in the name of Jihad and religion," he added.
Sarma also spoke about love-jihad in Assam without uttering the exact words.
"In Assam, we do not have girls who join militant organisations, but here, girls are motivated to convert their religion in the name of love. The intent of the girls is innocent, and they may have fallen in 'true love' but the intention of the other side is not good. Therefore, I request all to remain cautious about such things," he said.
CPI-M central committee member Jitendra Chaudhury re-elected as Tripura unit Secretary
Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) central committee member Jitendra Chaudhury re-elected as party’s Tripura state Secretary in the three-day (January 29 to 31) 24th state conference of the Left party.
States should boost biz reforms to generate higher incomes for citizens: Eco Survey
States should focus on business reforms on a priority basis to achieve buoyancies in some industrial or service sectors, the Economic Survey 2024-25 said on Friday.
NCERT team seizes pirated textbooks in Agartala
Officials of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), along with Tripura Police, seized pirated NCERT books that were being sold to students in bookshops in Agartala, officials said on Friday.
Mamta Kulkarni's past haunts her, leads to expulsion from Kinnar Akhada
Actress Mamta Kulkarni, who ruled the 90s, has been expelled from the Kinnar Akhada. The designation of Mahamandaleshwar, which was given to the actress, has been revoked. The reason behind the same has been revealed to the actress’ past link to cinema, and her alleged criminal past.
Eco Survey suggests enhanced deregulation for MSMEs to boost growth
Faster economic growth is only possible if the Union and state governments continue to implement reforms that allow small and medium enterprises to operate efficiently and compete cost-effectively, said the Economic Survey 2024 on Friday.
Lifestyle choices, workplace culture key for mental well-being, productivity: Eco Survey
Lifestyle choices and workplace culture are critical for the mental well-being and thus, the productivity of the people in India, according to the Economic Survey 2024-25 on Friday.
Eco Survey: Demographic advantage, responsible approach position India to benefit from AI
With AI research and development currently concentrated in the hands of a few, very large companies that control the resources to erect high entry barriers, AI adoption in place of humans presents the risk of concentrating the benefits of automation.
Prez Murmu faces ‘repeated’ insults from Congress: Sonia Gandhi’s comments fuel backlash
The BJP was quick to condemn the remarks, calling them “derogatory” and accusing the Congress of disrespecting the President. BJP leaders said that Congress’s “feudal mindset” cannot accept that a tribal woman like Droupadi Murmu achieved the position of President of India.