Cinema theatres turn into fortresses ahead of MNIK's release

MUMBAI: City cinema theatres today turned into virtual fortresses ahead of tomorrow's release of the Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'My Name is Khan' as Shiv Sena kept up its attack on the Maharashtra government for siding with the actor, whom it branded a "Pakistan lover".

Over 1,600 Sena activists, including functionaries, have been arrested in the last two days to thwart protests by the saffron outfit, which has vowed not to allow screening of the mega budget film till the actor apologised for his remarks favouring Pakistani players in IPL-3.

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

"Produce a film 'My Name is Kasab' and hand over the nationalist youth opposing it, to Pakistan. Ashok Khan, we are sure you will do it," the editorial said.

The Sena also claimed that 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," it said.

"SRK has now declared in Abu Dhabi that he would be meeting Thackeray to ensure smooth release of his film in Maharashtra," the newspaper said.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray said his party is not going to take part in the ongoing agitation against Khan and would concentrate on working in the interest of Marathi people.