Amritsar, July 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has strongly condemned the removal of the film ‘Satluj’, based on the life of noted human rights activist Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra, from the ZEE Network platform shortly after its release in India, and demanded that all restrictions on the film be lifted immediately.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Dhami said the film portrays the life of Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra, his unparalleled contribution to the cause of human rights, and the alleged excesses committed against Sikh youths during Punjab’s turbulent years.
He said the decision to remove the film was arbitrary and amounted to an attempt to suppress historical truth.
‘Truth About State Excesses Cannot Be Hidden’
Dhami said that after 1984, thousands of innocent Sikh youths were allegedly tortured, killed and cremated after being declared unclaimed. He said Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra devoted his life to exposing this painful chapter of Punjab’s history before the world.
According to the SGPC President, Khalra’s efforts gave hope to thousands of families whose sons had disappeared during that period. He added that it was deeply unfortunate that Khalra himself was later killed.
Dhami said the film presents historical facts, human rights issues and social realities that deserve to be viewed and discussed rather than suppressed.
Refers to Court Judgments
The SGPC chief said attempts to conceal the alleged atrocities committed against Sikhs would never succeed. He pointed out that courts have, over the years, convicted and sentenced several police officials in cases relating to the illegal cremation of Sikh youths who were declared unclaimed.
“How can anyone ignore these judicial findings?” he asked, adding that neither history nor truth could be erased through bans or censorship.
Calls Ban an Attack on Historical Truth
Dhami asserted that people in Punjab and across the world have every right to know, understand and learn from their history.
He said that in a democracy, imposing restrictions on works that present historical facts and diverse viewpoints cannot be justified and would be seen as an attempt to silence voices that seek to bring the truth before society.
Demanding the immediate restoration of Satluj, the SGPC President said people should be allowed to judge and understand this important chapter of history for themselves.
He added that Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra’s sacrifice for the protection of human rights and the pursuit of truth would continue to inspire generations, and no attempt to suppress historical facts would ever succeed.
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