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The Centre on Friday convened a meeting to review the situation and assured all help to the Maharashtra government, in the wake of strong protests by the Shiv Sena in Mumbai, over the release of Shah Rukh Khan starrer My Name is Khan.
Highly-placed sources said home ministry officials are in touch with the Maharashtra government and are constantly keeping a check on the situation. The Centre had even mulled sending paramilitary personnel, in case the state government asked for help, sources said.
"The Maharashtra government has so far not sought any paramilitary force from us. But if they ask, we are ready to provide," the sources said.
The meeting was chaired by Union Home Secretary G K Pillai and was attended by senior officials including Special Secretary (Internal Security) U K Bansal among others.
Defying the Shiv Sena threat, some theatres in Mumbai screened the movie. Amid the cloud of uncertainty, six multiplexes and four single screen cinemas cancelled their morning shows, but went ahead with post-noon shows following an overwhelming public response.
Notwithstanding the Maharashtra government's reassurance about adequate security at all cinemas, theatre-owners had voiced their concerns over possible attacks by Sena activists threatening to disrupt screenings, unless Khan apologised for supporting the inclusion of Pakistani cricketers in the IPL.