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Mumbai: Actor Swara Bhasker stated during a discussion with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday that artists are finding it difficult to “convey stories” and that the government is arbitrarily using sedition laws and UAPA rules.
During her three-day tour to Mumbai, Ms. Banerjee met with representatives of the civil society.
“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,” Ms. Bhasker said.
“Artists today are facing a lot of resistance in telling stories. There are many who have risked their livelihoods and careers to keep the resistance alive,” said the actor, who is vocal about political and social issues on social media.
Right-wing organizations have targeted comedians Munawar Faruqui, Aditi Mittal, and Agrima Joshua, and Mr. Faruqui spent a month in jail (for allegedly offending religious emotions), she noted.