The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami has publicly denounced the removal of the film Satluj from ZEE5 in India. He characterised the action as an unwarranted endeavour to suppress historical truths concerning the Sikh community. This condemnation was issued shortly after the film’s release on the OTT platform, indicating a strong response to its abrupt withdrawal.

Dhami called for the immediate lifting of all restrictions on Satluj, asserting that no ban could erase the truth regarding historical atrocities faced by Sikhs. He stated that the film shines a light on critical human rights issues, particularly focusing on the work of activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who dedicated his life to revealing the violations inflicted on Sikh youth during the post-1984 period.

Within 48 hours of its long-anticipated release, ZEE5 announced that the film would remain unavailable in India until further notice, citing “current developments.” The platform did not specify if this decision was connected to prior certification issues the film faced.

Detailing the Film and Its Significance

Satluj, directed by Honey Trehan and starring Diljit Dosanjh as Khalra, highlights Khalra’s relentless fight for human rights and exposes the alleged illegal killings and secret cremations carried out during a turbulent time in Punjab’s history. Khalra’s efforts are notable for documenting evidence of the unlawful cremation of thousands who went missing during the militancy, raising awareness of these violations.

Khalra’s advocacy for justice ultimately led to his abduction and murder in 1995, with several police officials later convicted for their roles in this case. Dhami emphasised that Khalra’s legacy continues to symbolise the quest for justice and an understanding of increasingly significant historical narratives that must not be overlooked or silenced.

Returning to Khalra’s work, Dhami reiterated the importance of openly discussing and debating historical facts and human rights issues rather than resorting to censorship. He pointed out that recent court judgments involving former police officials reinforce the notion that history should be acknowledged rather than denied.

Reactions from Film’s Makers and ZEE5

Trehan has expressed frustration regarding the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) demands, which escalated from an initial requirement for twenty-one cuts to a staggering 127 modifications. He voiced that the censorship imposed on the film infringes upon the freedom of expression and claimed it represented an attempt to erase the legacy of Khalra from public records.

ZEE5 responded to the film’s removal with a statement thanking viewers for their engagement and sharing that the response to Satluj had been overwhelmingly positive. They reiterated their commitment to supporting the film and seeking appropriate avenues to restore it for audiences in India.

Amid concerns about the film’s removal, Dosanjh hinted at possible suppression during an Instagram Live session, noting a premonition that the film could be taken down shortly after its release. He voiced a commitment to telling their own story and lamented that Khalra’s voice had been suppressed not only in 1995 but continues to be ignored in the present day.

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