hours before it was to be released– a move some Christian groups hope will be repeated across India.
The Press Trust of India (PTI) said the government is "banning the release or exhibition of the movie." In a statement released by PTI, the Punjab administration stressed the decision was made to "maintain communal harmony, peace and tranquility."
Friday’s decision followed objections by Christians in the state against the "objectionable" contents of the movie, PTI reported. "There was a possibility of violent confrontation at some places, particularly those having sizeable population of Christians," the Punjab administration reportedly said.
STEP FURTHER
The banning of the movie in Punjab went a step further than leaders of India’s embattled Christian community expected last week when they urged the national government to release the film only with a disclaimer, an ‘Adult’ certificate and some cuts.
‘The Da Vinci Code’ explores the possibility that Jesus was married and had a child with Maria Magdalene and that ancestors still live today. Christian leaders have said that Christ was not married to any woman as He clearly identified His Church, which includes all Christians who accept him as Lord and Savior, as His Bride.
‘The Da Vinci Code’ comes amid growing pressure from Hindu militants on Indian Christians, who comprise roughly over 2 percent of India’s population of 1.1-billion people.
