Chandigarh, July 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A senior delegation of Shiromani Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) on Tuesday met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, urging his intervention for the immediate restoration of the film ‘Satluj’ on OTT platforms and seeking an opportunity for Khadoor Sahib MP Bhai Amritpal Singh to attend Parliament and discharge his constitutional responsibilities.
The delegation comprised Bapu Tarsem Singh Khalsa, Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali, and Faridkot MP Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, who submitted a memorandum to the Governor highlighting what they described as key issues concerning Punjab.
Delegation Opposes Removal of ‘Satluj’
The delegation strongly objected to the removal of Satluj from the ZEE5 OTT platform, stating that the film presents the historical events of Punjab’s turbulent period and is based on the life and struggle of Shaheed Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed the alleged illegal cremation of thousands of Sikh youths.
The leaders said the film introduces the younger generation to an important chapter of Punjab’s history and described its removal as unfortunate.
They urged that Satluj, originally titled Punjab 95, be restored immediately so that people, particularly the youth, could understand the historical realities associated with that period.
Calling the film more than a cinematic production, the delegation described it as an important historical and human rights document reflecting Khalra’s struggle to bring alleged cases of enforced disappearances and illegal killings into the public domain.
Praise for Film’s Makers
The leaders also praised actor Diljit Dosanjh for his portrayal of Jaswant Singh Khalra and appreciated director Honey Trehan for bringing the story to the screen.
They maintained that cinema should encourage dialogue and historical understanding rather than face restrictions because of differing viewpoints.
Addressing the media, Bapu Tarsem Singh Khalsa said Satluj is an important portrayal of Punjab’s pain, struggle and history, and removing it from the OTT platform had hurt the sentiments of Punjabis across the world.
MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali said films that encourage society to reflect on historical events should not be prevented from reaching audiences and added that Punjab’s younger generation has the right to know its history.
Faridkot MP Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa said Jaswant Singh Khalra’s sacrifice represented the fight for human rights and justice, and preventing people from watching a film based on his life could not be justified.
Amritpal Singh’s Parliament Attendance Raised
The delegation also raised the issue of Khadoor Sahib MP Bhai Amritpal Singh, informing the Governor that the National Security Act (NSA) imposed against him had been revoked.
Ayali said that since Amritpal Singh had been democratically elected by the people of Khadoor Sahib, he should be allowed to attend Parliament and fulfil his constitutional duties as a Member of Parliament.
The delegation said Punjab’s electorate had chosen Amritpal Singh to represent them in the Lok Sabha and he should be given an opportunity to raise issues concerning Punjab, including water, agriculture, unemployment, youth, drugs and other public concerns.
Describing the denial of a duly elected representative’s participation in Parliament as undemocratic, the delegation said Amritpal Singh’s presence during the upcoming Monsoon Session was important from Punjab’s perspective.
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 leaders met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, demanding the restoration of Satluj and seeking an opportunity for Khadoor Sahib MP Bhai Amritpal Singh to attend Parliament.){kind=link}