Thiruvananthapuram: Amdist protests over taking 12 persons into custody for showing disrespect to national anthem during the ongoing International Film Festival of Kerala, BJP Tuesday said the trend showing disrespect to national anthem should not be encouraged at any cost.
A section of people were trying to create an impression that nationalism is obsolete and raising objection against it is progressive, party state president Kummanam Rajasekhanran said.
Police took 12 persons into custody in two separate cases last night from cinemas, screening films as part of the week- long festival.
They refused to stand up while the national anthem was being played, police said.
"Those who find fault with the Supreme Court directive on national anthem should fight it legally, rather than showing insult to it in the street," Rajasekharan said here in a statement.
The leader also said the young generation should not support any move that cause disrespect to the national symbols.
When his reaction was sought on the issue, CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakarishnan said it is the duty of the state government to implement the Supreme Court directive.
Echoing the same sentiments, CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran said those who violate the court directives would have to face consequences.
Earlier in the day, a group of persons staged a protest in front of Tagore theatre here, against the police action.
Cases under IPC section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) had been registered against the 12 persons who were taken into custody, police added.