Chandigarh, July 13: Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Sahney has expressed concern over the recent public debate surrounding the film Satluj, urging that Punjab’s hard-earned peace should not be jeopardised by divisive narratives.
In a statement issued on Monday, Sahney said the film focuses on a specific period in Punjab’s history involving alleged disappearances, fake encounters, extra-judicial killings and illegal cremations without informing families of the victims.
He emphasised that films based on historical events should be viewed as artistic interpretations and should not become a means of reopening old wounds or creating fresh divisions within society.
Sahney noted that human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra pursued the issue of disappearances and illegal cremations strictly through constitutional and legal channels, including filing habeas corpus petitions before the courts.
He pointed out that the Supreme Court of India and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took cognisance of the matter, while the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered 62 cases for investigation. Khalra’s abduction and murder ultimately resulted in the conviction of several Punjab Police officials by a court.
Referring to the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Satluj, Sahney said the film depicts one chapter of Punjab’s history related to alleged human rights violations and does not attempt to present the complete history of terrorism and militancy in the state.
He also said neither actor Diljit Dosanjh nor the filmmakers have sought to justify terrorism or downplay the immense suffering caused by militancy, which claimed the lives of thousands of innocent civilians, security personnel and public servants during one of Punjab’s most turbulent periods.
Sahney added that now that audiences have had the opportunity to watch the film, the debate should be allowed to settle rather than reignite painful memories or revisit past conflicts.
He urged people to learn from the difficult chapters of Punjab’s history, strengthen the pursuit of justice and continue preserving the social harmony that is vital for a peaceful and progressive state.
