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NCW supports Fire, flays Sena's vandalism

The National Commission for Women has come out in support of Deepa Mehta's film Fire and condemned the 'vandalism' perpetrated by a few Shiv Sainiks at the theatres screening the movie.

''This film, with great sensitivity, brings out into the open for the first time, the poignancy and pathos of women caught in the web of a patriarchal society which often holds them prisoners within the four walls of their matrimonial homes without the slightest concern for their aspirations,'' the commission said in a statement in New Delhi today.

The attack by Shiv Sainiks at cinema halls showing the film was another example of violence against women when they dare break the silence and speak out about their innermost feelings and traumas, it added.

The statement said the commission felt that such a film, having been once certified for screening by the Censor Board, should not be subjected to another review just because a handful of people claiming to be guardians of public morality are offended.

''It is a matter of shame that women's issues whenever they are highlighted by artists, writers or victims themselves, always receive such brutal treatment as a consequence of which they are often silenced for ever,'' it said.

The commission demanded that the government demonstrate its belief in the dignity of women's right of self-expression and take immediate punitive action against the offenders and guarantee that the film can be screened without any threat to the life and property of all concerned.

EARLIER REPORT:

Storm follows Fire, Chief Justice petitioned against Manohar Joshi's pat for vandalism

UNI

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