The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Thursday held a protest march in Amritsar against the Satluj film ban, urging the Centre to allow the release of the movie inspired by the life of human rights activist Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra. The march was led by SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami and began from the Information Centre inside the Golden Temple complex before proceeding to the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Devotees, SGPC members and office-bearers joined the procession, carrying banners and raising slogans against the Satluj film ban.
SGPC says film deserves public release
Addressing the gathering before the march, Dhami said Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra dedicated his life to exposing the truth about one of Punjab’s most difficult periods and sacrificed his life in the process. He said the filmmakers had already accepted changes suggested by the censor board, including renaming the film from its original title to Satluj.
Despite those modifications, the release remains on hold. Dhami termed the decision unfair and said the public should be allowed to watch the film. He also announced that the SGPC will organise an Ardas on the banks of the Sutlej River on July 14 to seek justice over the Satluj film ban.
Leaders question government’s decision
SGPC member Rajinder Singh Mehta said Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra played a key role in bringing global attention to alleged human rights violations and the issue of unidentified bodies cremated in Punjab between 1980 and 1995. According to Mehta, the film aims to present those historical events before a wider audience.
He argued that after changing the title and making multiple edits, there was no justification for stopping the release. Mehta appealed to the Central Government to reconsider the Satluj film ban, saying people should have the opportunity to understand history through cinema.
Responding to media queries, Mehta also disagreed with recent remarks made by Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu regarding the controversy.
The protest reflects growing demands from Sikh organisations seeking the release of the film, with the SGPC maintaining that historical stories should reach audiences instead of being restricted through the Satluj film ban.
FAQs
Q: Why is the Satluj film ban being protested?
A: The SGPC says the film has already undergone censor-requested changes and should now be allowed to release.
Q: What is the film Satluj based on?
A: The film is based on the life and work of Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra, known for highlighting alleged human rights issues in Punjab.
Q: What did the SGPC announce after protesting the Satluj film ban?
A: SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami announced that an Ardas will be held on the banks of the Sutlej River on July 14.
Q: Why does the SGPC oppose the Satluj film ban?
A: The committee believes the film presents an important chapter of Punjab’s history and the public should be allowed to watch it.
