The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday strongly condemned the removal of the film “Satluj”, based on slain human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, from an OTT platform and called it a direct attack on freedom of expression.
Dhaliwal demands lifting of ban
Addressing mediapersons in Amritsar, Punjab AAP’s chief spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Central Government and demanded the immediate lifting of the ban on the film. He alleged that the BJP and Congress were “secretly working together”, claiming the film was removed to prevent younger generations from learning about alleged atrocities committed during Congress rule. He also accused the Shiromani Akali Dal of being “an equal partner” in the alleged conspiracy alongside the BJP and Congress.
Criticism of Akali Dal
Criticising the Shiromani Akali Dal, Dhaliwal said Jaswant Singh Khalra himself had been associated with the party, yet the Badal family and its leadership never stood by him. Referring to a recent interview of Khalra’s wife, Bibi Paramjit Kaur Khalra, he said her account deeply affected him and described it as a “permanent blot” on the Akali Dal. He alleged that Bibi Khalra had earlier sought help from then Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, but was not assisted. He said Sukhbir Singh Badal should “hang his head in shame” over his father’s alleged conduct.
Film portrays Punjab’s tragic past
Dhaliwal said the film portrays the “true story” of Punjab’s tragic past, which he claimed certain powers in Delhi were attempting to suppress. The AAP leader reiterated his party’s demand for the film to be restored on the OTT platform, asserting that the removal was a politically motivated move to hide historical truths from the public.
