Shiromani Akali Dal to screen Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj across Punjab amid ban row
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has announced that it will organise screenings of Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj across villages, towns, and cities in Punjab, intensifying the
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has announced that it will organise screenings of Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj across villages, towns, and cities in Punjab, intensifying the political row over the film's removal from streaming platforms in India. In a statement, the party said the initiative aims to ensure that younger generations learn about the ‘unspeakable tragedy’ faced by the Sikh community and the alleged excesses committed during the Congress governments. SAD said the film depicts the life and sacrifice of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and highlights the alleged extrajudicial killings of thousands of innocent Sikh youths during Punjab's militancy era. Read Full Story Calling it a crucial chapter of Punjab's history, the Akali Dal said Satluj portrays the pain and suffering endured by Sikhs following Operation Blue Star and the subsequent anti-Sikh riots of 1984.
The party alleged that the Congress governments of the time subjected Sikh youths protesting against the violence to fake police encounters and other forms of repression. The party further claimed that attempts were now being made to prevent Punjabis, particularly Sikhs, from documenting and remembering this period of history. "Shiromani Akali Dal will never remain a mute witness to this injustice," the party said, directing all its workers, office-bearers and leaders to organise screenings of the film in "every nook and corner" of Punjab. The announcement comes amid mounting controversy surrounding Satluj, which is based on the life of slain human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Khalra had documented thousands of alleged illegal cremations and disappearances during Punjab's insurgency years before he was abducted and murdered in 1995.
WHAT IS THE SATLUJ CONTROVERSY Originally titled Punjab '95, the Honey Trehan-directed film had remained stuck in a prolonged certification battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), with the makers alleging that the board had sought dozens of cuts before granting clearance. After years of delay, the film skipped a theatrical release and premiered in its uncut form on ZEE5 under the new title Satluj on July 3. However, less than 48 hours later, the streaming platform removed the film from its India catalogue, citing "current developments", while stating that it continued to support the film and its makers. The controversy deepened after government sources said the film had been released without the required certification process being completed. The Centre subsequently decided to refer the matter to an Inter-Departmental Committee under the Information Technology Rules to examine the film and determine the future course of action.
The BriefWire