MNS ultimatum row: Can't separate nation and art says party

Mumbai: Days after issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to Pakistani actors and artists to leave India by September 25 or else they would be "pushed out", the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Wednesday came out in Public and asserted that they were not against any individual but "cannot separate nation and art". "We don't have anything against an individual but we cannot separate art and nation. We respect artists but country comes first," said MNS leader Amey Khopkar addressing a press conference. "When attacks happen in Syria and Paris then Pakistan artistes who get work and respect in India tweet sympathy but nothing on Uri attack," the MNS added. Yesterday, members of the Raj Thackeray-led MNS staged a protest outside the production house of director-producer Karan Johar, leading to the arrest of around 15 of them. Actor Fawad Khan yesterday left India before the release of his upcoming Karan Johar flick 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' on October 28. According to Pakistani media, a source from Dharma Productions said that the 'Khoobsurat' actor has left India as his wife is about to deliver a baby in September. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack as probe agencies reportedly recovered weapons and ammunition bearing Pakistani insignia from the site. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena has also targeted the promotions of Fawad Khan's 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' and Mahira Khan's 'Raees', saying that filmmakers and producers 'should not cast.