The controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh's Satluj has taken a new turn. After the film was removed from Zee5 just two days after its release, the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Akal Takht have now announced separate initiatives in support of the film and the legacy of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.
While the Akali Dal has decided to screen the film across Punjab, the Akal Takht will hold a special ardas (prayer) to remember the Sikh youths whose killings were documented through Khalra's work.
Akali Dal Plans Statewide Screenings
Sharing the announcement on X, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said, "In every village and corner of Punjab, the SAD will screen the film 'Satluj' based on inhuman atrocities inflicted on thousands of innocent Sikh youth and Sikh personalities like Shaheed Bhai Jaswant Singh Ji Khalra during the Congress regime, so that our children and future generations can be thoroughly acquainted with the oppression inflicted."
Shiromani Akali Dal will screen @diljitdosanjh's epic film #Satluj across Punjab.
— Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) July 8, 2026
This is aimed at ensuring that today's youth and our coming generations know about the unspeakable tragedy and repression unleashed by the then butcher Congress governments against Bhai Jaswant… pic.twitter.com/MbAjZdTxLG
Shiromani Akali Dal will screen @diljitdosanjh's epic film #Satluj across Punjab.
— Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) July 8, 2026
This is aimed at ensuring that today's youth and our coming generations know about the unspeakable tragedy and repression unleashed by the then butcher Congress governments against Bhai Jaswant… pic.twitter.com/MbAjZdTxLG
Akal Takht To Hold Prayer
The Akal Takht has announced that a special religious gathering will be held on July 14 at Harike Pattan, on the banks of the Sutlej River.
According to Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj, prayers will be offered and the gathering will also pray for justice for their families.
Sri Akal Takht Sahib to Hold Ardas at Satluj's bank on Harike Pattan at 6 pm on July 14 for Peace of Sikh Martyrs and Justice for Victims' Families pic.twitter.com/3tlg4GujCL
— Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj (@J_SriAkalTakht) July 8, 2026
Satluj Controversy Explained
Directed by Honey Trehan, Satluj, earlier titled Panjab '95, is based on the life of Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated the killings and disappearances in Punjab during the 1990s. Khalra had claimed that around 25,000 people were killed by the Punjab Police during anti-insurgency operations.
ALSO READ: I&B Ministry: Satluj Released Without Required Certification; Nearly 100 Cuts Suggested
Following a certification delay of over three years, Satluj was released uncut on Zee5 on July 3. Its sudden removal on July 5 soon turned the film into the centre of a nationwide debate, with multiple groups stepping forward to host public screenings.
Amid the controversy, the Punjab BJP has also said that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has formed a three-member committee to look into the circumstances behind the film's removal from the streaming platform.
Earlier, Diljit Dosanjh said he had expected the film's removal, thanked fans for their support, and urged those who had downloaded Satluj to keep sharing it, adding that "once something is on the internet, it can't be erased".
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