Amritsar, 10 July (H.S.):

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee on Friday staged a protest march in Amritsar demanding the removal of the ban on the film Satluj, which is based on the life and human rights struggle of Shaheed Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra. The march began from the Clock Tower Plaza outside Sri Darbar Sahib and concluded at the Deputy Commissioner's office, where a memorandum addressed to the Punjab Governor was submitted.

Speaking to the media, SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami said Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra courageously fought for human rights by collecting records related to missing youths and alleged unidentified cremations during a difficult period in Punjab's history. He alleged that Khalra was abducted and later killed in an attempt to silence his efforts.

Dhami questioned the government's decision to ban Satluj shortly after its release, alleging that the film portrays Khalra's life, his struggle for human rights, and the alleged atrocities committed against Sikh youths during the 1980s and subsequent years. He said that banning a film cannot suppress history or the truth.

The SGPC chief also raised concerns over what he described as the government's leniency towards a police officer convicted in the Jaswant Singh Khalra case. He alleged that while cases of Sikh prisoners who have completed or exceeded their prison terms remain pending, efforts are being made to grant relief to convicted police officials.

Referring to Balwant Singh Rajoana, Jagtar Singh Hawara and other Sikh prisoners, Dhami claimed that their cases have long been ignored. He also said that no decision has yet been taken on Hawara's parole request to meet his elderly mother.

Dhami appealed to the Sikh community to participate in the Ardas ceremony scheduled on July 14 on the banks of the Sutlej River, as announced by the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. He urged the government to immediately revoke the ban on Satluj and allow its re-release so that the younger generation can learn about Punjab's history and the events depicted in the film.

Following the protest, SGPC office-bearers and members submitted a memorandum to Additional Deputy Commissioner Pallavi Mishra, seeking the removal of the ban on the film and demanding justice in cases related to alleged atrocities against Sikh youths. Several SGPC officials, members and employees participated in the demonstration.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH