India blocks film on Indira Gandhi assassination

NEW DELHI (AP) — India has blocked the release of a film on the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, saying it glorifies her killers and could trigger violent protests.

India's film certification board says the film glorified the two Sikh bodyguards who killed Gandhi to avenge her suppression of an insurgency that culminated in an army assault on Sikhism's holiest shrine.

The film "Kaum De Heere," or Diamonds of the Community, was scheduled to be released Friday.

Certification board chief Leela Samson says panel members saw the film and decided it could not be released as it poses a threat to public order.

Samson says India's Home Ministry had expressed concern about a clearance earlier given to the film and had asked the panel to review it.