Chandigarh, July 7 — A major political controversy has emerged following the removal of a historical film focused on human rights defender Shaheed Jaswant Singh Khalra from a digital platform, with state leaders calling the move a severe restriction on creative freedom.
The biographical movie, titled Satluj, covers the documentation work undertaken by the late activist regarding unidentified cremations during a turbulent decade. The ruling party in the state has formally asked the central authorities to lift the ban immediately, arguing that the public has a right to access historical narratives.
Party Chief Spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal maintained, “The film narrates the true story of Punjab’s tragic and dark period, a truth that the rulers sitting in Delhi want to bury forever.” He added that the sudden removal of the content serves to deepen historical grievances within the state.
The party representative asserted that multiple political factions have actively worked to prevent the details of that era from coming to light. He declared that current and former national ruling parties are acting in unison to shield past institutional actions from contemporary scrutiny.
The administration also extended its critique to regional parties, stating that organizations claiming to represent local heritage did not provide adequate sanctuary to the activist’s family when requested decades ago. The evaluation followed public remarks made by the activist’s wife detailing her experiences.
Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal affirmed, “Hearing her interview shook his soul. The account she narrated is a permanent blot.” He concluded that the state will not tolerate authoritarian attempts to overwrite history and reiterated a commitment to upholding the legacy of regional human rights defenders.
