Yet Another Love Jihad Victim
AVS
“No individual or organization has the authority to dictate what people should watch.” – Aarsha Vidya Samajam (AVS)
O. Sruthi Ji, Secretary of Aarsha Vidya Samajam (AVS), said that it is unacceptable for any political organization to dictate which films people should or should not watch.
The declaration to prevent the screening of “Kerala Story – 2 Goes Beyond”, and prevent and obstruct people from watching it in Kerala— a film duly certified by the Central Board of Film Certification and permitted for screening by a Division Bench of the Kerala High Court — amounts to a direct challenge to the rule of law.
It is deeply ironic that those who organize marches in the name of freedom of expression and conduct “beef festivals” in the name of food freedom are now attempting to obstruct the public’s right to watch a film of their choice.
Theatre owners are being threatened, and boycott calls are being raised against malls to pressure them into cancelling the screenings. An atmosphere of intimidation is being created in theatres that proceed with the shows, preventing audiences from entering. Even those who have purchased tickets are being forced out of the theatres. When organizations aligned with the ruling establishment themselves take the lead in undermining the legal system in this manner, whom should citizens approach for justice?
What is even more disturbing is the silence of those who claim to uphold democratic values — civil rights advocates, defenders of freedom of expression, those who constantly invoke the Constitution and the rule of law, and sections of the media — in the face of a fascist course of action.
It is for the leadership of the organization to clarify what prompted the DYFI to decide that Anuja’s story should not be made known to the world.
In a state like Kerala, which has borne the severe consequences of “love trap jihad,” who has given certain people the authority to decide that a film exposing its dangers is one that “no one should watch” or “no one should even know about”?
Only certain specific groups are steering these activities with a declared objective such as “Mission 2047.” Concerns regarding such elements have previously been raised by former Kerala Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan, Justice K. T. Sankaran, and former Director Generals of Police.
In an attempt to appease extremist forces, some political leaders are seeking to downplay or suppress documented evidence, established facts, and the lived experiences of numerous victims. The time may not be far when even party workers and sympathizers who have personally suffered the consequences will come forward openly to voice their dissent.
In this age of widely accessible OTT platforms, those who believe that creating controversies can prevent people from watching a film must ask themselves: which era are they living in?
Whom are they afraid of? If they believe that the secular fabric of Malayalis is so fragile that it would collapse upon watching a film, then who, in reality, is insulting Kerala?
Ready for Dialogue
Is it not the responsibility of those who claim to uphold democratic values and pursue truth to engage in respectful debate – whether in support or in opposition – rather than attempt suppression?
Aarsha Vidya Samajam (AVS) has been able to deradicalize and rehabilitate thousands of young men and women who fell victim to tactics such as “love trap jihad” and brainwashing carried out by certain organizations. The organization is prepared to engage in dialogue with anyone on this issue, presenting evidence and documented facts to substantiate its position.
Sruthi Ji stated that if theatres are willing to screen the film, AVS will take the initiative to encourage the public to watch it. She emphasized that ensuring protection for theatre owners and audiences is the responsibility of the government. If necessary, the organization is also prepared to approach the court for appropriate legal remedies.