RAMADOS STATEMENT

http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/ramadoss-opposes-ban-on-vishwaroopam/article4347584.ece

PMK leader S. Ramadoss on Saturday came out strongly in support of Kamal Hassan-starrer Vishwaroopam, saying that the actor who had worked for the Hindu-Muslim unity could not have taken a film that would hurt the feelings of the Muslims.

In a statement here, he said it was Kamal Hassan who strongly condemned the anti-Muslim riots in the wake of demolition of Babri Masjid and prevailed upon former Prime Minister P.V. Narsimha Rao to take stringent measures to prevent the communal riots.

“He is a member of Harmony India and taking a lot of goodwill measures to promote the Hindu-Muslim unity in the country. We can believe that he would not have made a film that would hurt the sentiments of the Muslims,” Dr. Ramadoss said.

The PMK founder, who is probably the first political leader to express views against the ban on the film, said it should be left to the majority of the Muslim fans to decide on the film since Kamal Hassan had explained that the film had actually honoured the Muslims.

“Banning the film will only evoke negative consequences,” he stressed. Dr. Ramadoss said there was a “political motive” behind the ban on the film since the state government had imposed a ban without consulting anyone even though the censor board had cleared the film for release.

“Of late, the state government is adopting measures aimed at curtailing freedom of expression. If the government feels that it will lead to law and order problem, it should ensure that such development does not take place. Ban is not a solution,” he said.

The PMK leader also called upon Muslim organisations not to approach the issue emotionally and to work towards a practical solution to the problem.