MNS gives ultimatum to Pakistani actors to leave India

The Maharashtra Navirman Sena (MNS) of India on Friday issued an ultimatum to Pakistani artistes working in India, asking them to leave the country within 48 hours or ‘risk being beaten up’.

‘When our soldiers are being killed on the borders by Pakistan, why should we host their actors here? We warn all Pakistani actors to leave India in the next 48 hours. If they do not do so, MNS activists will give them a thrashing,’ said Ameya Khopkar, president of the MNS Chitrapat Karmachari Sena.

The Shiv Sena too has supported the demand to block entry of Pakistani actors in the country after the Uri attack, reports Indian Express.

‘Why are we continuing any kind of relationship with them? The time has come to snap all ties with Pakistan immediately,’ said Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut.

Khopkar also said that the MNS would target not only Pakistani actors, but also the producers and directors who hire them.

‘Pakistani kalakaar toh maar khaayenge hi, saath mein jo producer/director unko laate hain unko bhi peetenge (Pakistani artistes will be beaten up, and so will the producers and directors who get them here),’ he said.
Several Pakistani artistes are part of Indian films either as actors or singers.

The Mumbai Police, meanwhile, has claimed that it will protect all foreign individuals who are working with proper work permits in India.

Leaders from the ruling BJP also joined the chorus of not disallowing actors from Pakistan to perform in the country in the current environment.

Kirit Somaiya, Member of Parliament, BJP, while saying that he did not back the threats issued by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, said, ‘At this point of time, we appeal to business leaders, film producers, and organisers not to invite artistes from Pakistan for events and films.’