'Artists today are facing lot of resistance in telling stories. There are many who have risked their livelihood and careers to keep resistance alive,' said the actor
Swara Bhasker. File Pic
Artists are finding it difficult to "tell stories" and the government is using sedition law and UAPA provisions indiscriminately, actor Swara Bhasker said during an interaction with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee here on Wednesday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Banerjee, on a three-day visit to Mumbai, interacted with members of civil society during the day.
"There is a state which is distributing UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act) and sedition charges like a 'prasad' from God we don't want to pray to," Bhasker said.
"Artists today are facing lot of resistance in telling stories. There are many who have risked their livelihood and careers to keep resistance alive," said the actor, who is vocal about political and social issues on social media.
Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan victimised; India facing cruel, undemocratic BJP: Mamata Banerjee
Comedians Munawar Faruqui, Aditi Mittal, Agrima Joshua have been targeted by right-wing groups and Faruqui spent a month in jail (for allegedly hurting religious sentiments), she pointed out.
There was also an instance of a venue being vandalized for hosting some comedians, Bhasker said.
Common citizens are facing an "unaccountable mob" which is being used by the ruling dispensation while the police and the state are giving it a free rein, the actor alleged.
Banerjee said the UAPA has been grossly misused.
"The UAPA is not (meant) for common citizens but for protection against external forces and (maintenance of) internal security," she said.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
