The sudden removal of Diljit Dosanjh’s film Satluj from streaming platform ZEE5 just two days after its release has sparked a major political controversy in Punjab.
Several political leaders and religious organisations have criticised the move, calling it an attack on freedom of expression and Punjab’s history. The film is based on the life and struggle of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed alleged fake encounters and secret cremations during Punjab’s militancy era.
SGPC Appeals People to Watch the Film
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has strongly supported the film and urged people, especially young viewers, to watch it.
SGPC chief secretary Kulwant Singh Mannan said the movie highlights an important chapter in Punjab’s history.
He stated that the film tells the story of Jaswant Singh Khalra’s fight to expose alleged fake police encounters and enforced disappearances during a difficult period in the state.
Mannan appealed to Punjab’s youth to watch the film because it offers an opportunity to understand the sacrifices made by Khalra and the historical events that shaped the state.
Sukhbir Singh Badal Condemns the Removal
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal strongly criticised the decision to remove the film from ZEE5.
In a post on X, he said he was shocked and saddened by what he described as the arbitrary removal of Satluj from the platform.
According to Badal, the film courageously presents Punjab’s painful history and honours the sacrifice of Jaswant Singh Khalra.
He further said the decision was more than censorship and called it an attack on collective memory, truth and freedom of expression.
Badal also urged that Punjab’s past should be faced honestly instead of being suppressed.
Congress and AAP Respond to the Controversy
Congress MP Tariq Anwar said the issue should not become a political battle.
He acknowledged that Punjab had a Congress government during the period depicted in the film. However, he added that if the movie is based on facts, there is no need to politicise the issue.
Meanwhile, Punjab minister and AAP leader Aman Arora called for a balanced approach.
He said the film has been discussed for a long time, but many people are still unaware of its complete content.
Arora added that historical facts should be presented openly. At the same time, he stressed that such stories should be told responsibly so they do not harm social harmony or communal unity in the future.
Akal Takht Jathedar Also Supports the Film
The Jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, also voiced support for the film.
He said unlawful killings are unacceptable and that those responsible should face punishment under the law.
According to him, no mother should lose her son because of illegal actions, and justice must always prevail.
ZEE5 Explains Why the Film Was Removed
ZEE5 released an official statement on Instagram after the controversy gained momentum.
The streaming platform said it continues to support Satluj and respects the creative vision behind the film.
However, it announced that the movie would remain unavailable in India until further notice due to the current situation.
ZEE5 also said it is exploring every appropriate legal and procedural option to bring the film back to audiences as soon as possible.
Diljit Dosanjh Breaks His Silence
Diljit Dosanjh reacted to the controversy with a brief but emotional post on Instagram.
Sharing a still from the film, he wrote, “I challenge the darkness.”
He also added a message in Punjabi, saying that what happened to Satluj was similar to what happened to Shaheed Jaswant Singh Khalra, hinting at the challenges both the activist and the film have faced.
Who Was Jaswant Singh Khalra?
Satluj is inspired by the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a well-known human rights activist from Punjab.
Born in 1952 in Khalra village near Amritsar, he initially worked as a bank employee before dedicating himself to human rights activism.
Khalra became internationally recognised after exposing alleged fake encounters and secret cremations during Punjab’s militancy period.
The film was originally titled Punjab 95 and was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022.
However, it remained stuck in the certification process for nearly three years before finally reaching audiences.
The latest controversy surrounding its removal has once again brought the film, and Jaswant Singh Khalra’s legacy, into the national spotlight.