New Delhi: Appreciating film star Aamir Khan's "steadfast" espousal of the cause of people displaced by the Sardar Sarovar Dam, the Narmada Bachao Andolan on Monday termed as a "symptom of fanaticism" the boycott of his film Fanaa in Gujarat over the issue.
"The boycott of the film Fanaa declared by the BJP Yuva Morcha and hesitatingly supported by Gujarat Congress, is nothing but a symbol of fanaticism," the NBA said in a statement.
"These kind of intimidatory tactics are used by Gujarati politicians out of timidity and intolerance because they realise civil society's strength and support to Narmada Bachao Andolan, especially that of eminent persons."
Describing the ban on the film in the state as an unlawful action, the NBA said, "Since the Censor Board has cleared the film already, no political forum can go against it and if it does, a legal action may also be initiated."
"Moreover, such a move against the freedom of speech and expression runs contrary to Constitutional and democratic values."
Appreciating Aamir Khan's committed position on 'no displacement without rehabilitation' as non-negotiable and his readiness to bear the brunt, the NBA said, "We believe that Aamir Khan is one of those, not just celebrities but concerned citizens and creative artists, who have shown a social commitment beyond commercial interests and careers."
"In this context, the actor carries forward the long tradition of the pro-people sensitive artists in the country, those like Arundhati Roy, Vijay Tendulkar, Sadashiv Amrapurkar, Shabana Azmi, Shriram Lagoo, and others who have paid a cost with courage and joined NBA, even in critical periods. We are
proud of them."
The statement by NBA went on to say that these celebrities never tried to capture the dais.
"We know each other's roles, which are complementary yet interlinked."
Describing the opposition to Fanaa in Gujarat as "fanatical
and fundamentalist", the NBA said, "It is somewhat similar to the communal outbreak and failure of the state in Gujarat. Whether in the name of religion or development, intolerance is unacceptable."
"The people of Gujarat, the birthplace of Mahatma and Sardar both, cannot condemn or kill differing viewpoints, especially on issues related to development."
"What Amir Khan has said is the basic minimum as endorsed by the law and judgments related to Sardar Sarovar for years."
The NBA also condemned the intolerance and violence reflected in the propaganda and the rowdy actions by a section of the political forces in Gujarat.
"May we expect not only Bollywood artists or activists all over but also the common people to take a stance in supporting both Aamir Khan and the people in the Narmada valley struggling for life against death and devastation," the NBA said.
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