Ludhiana, June 18

The Bhartiya Valmiki Dharam Sansad has reiterated its demand to form a law against defaming Maharishi Valmik. A deputation of the sansad led by Mr Vijay Dhanav met the Union Communication Minister, Mr Ram Vilas Paswan, and urged him to expedite the process.

Mr Dhanav disclosed that on May 12, 1998, the Prime Minister, had promised them to formulate a special law against defaming Maharishi Valmik. However, nothing has been done so far.

The sansad demanded that there should be at least one member in the Film Censor Board of India to scrutinise the movies to ensure that they are not defamatory statement. They also demanded that the custody of the Valmiki Tirth at Amritsar should be handed over to the sansad as they had emotional attachment with the place. Currently, it is being managed by a trust headed by the Deputy Commissioner.

The deputation which met Mr Paswan included Mr Chanderpaul Anarya, Mr Bhim Singh Anarya, Dr Dev Singh Asur, Mr Laxman Dravid, Chaudhary Yashpal, Mr Pyare Lal Anjan, Mr Nand Lal, Mr Randhawa and Mr Ram Lal Adival representing different states of the country.

Mr Paswan reportedly announced the nomination of 22 members of the sansad to the Telephone Advisory Committee.