Key facts
- A film titled "Satluj," detailing the 1980s-90s Punjab insurgency, is being shown through community screenings after being blocked by Indian officials.
- The movie, originally "Punjab 95," faced over 120 cuts demanded by India's censor board and was removed from the ZEE5 streaming platform.
- Grassroots efforts by Sikh organizations and activists are organizing screenings in villages, using circulated copies of the film.
- The film focuses on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and alleged extrajudicial killings during the conflict.
- The Indian government cited security grounds for the film's removal, sparking debate on artistic freedom.
A film detailing the human rights abuses during India's 1980s and early 1990s Punjab insurgency, titled "Satluj," is circumventing official censorship through community screenings organized by local activists and Sikh organizations. The movie, originally named "Punjab 95," was stalled for three years by India's censor board, which demanded over 120 cuts. After a brief availability on the ZEE5 streaming platform, it was removed in India, prompting a grassroots movement to organize screenings in village courtyards and temple compounds.
The film draws on the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated thousands of disappearances and extrajudicial killings during the conflict between Sikh militant groups and Indian security forces. Khalra was abducted and killed in 1995, with several police officers later convicted in connection with his murder. Despite the insurgency being suppressed, the Indian government continues to view separatist sentiment as a security concern and reportedly ordered the film's removal on these grounds.
These community screenings have become makeshift cinemas, allowing survivors and younger generations to connect with a painful period of history. Organizers provide projectors, speakers, and generators, transforming public spaces into venues for reflection. Attendees have described the film as a heartbreaking portrayal of suffering that resonates deeply with those who experienced the conflict firsthand.
The removal of "Satluj" has reignited debates about artistic freedom in India, with critics accusing the current government of promoting nationalist narratives and increasing censorship. While the government maintains that certification decisions are independent, ZEE5 stated the film would no longer be available in India and is exploring legal avenues to restore it. Lead actor Diljit Dosanjh expressed confidence that the film's message cannot be erased once seen by audiences.