New Delhi, 13 July (H.S.): The controversy surrounding the film Satluj intensified on Monday as Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu escalated his opposition to the film, issuing an open challenge to its producers and director. He demanded that they produce documentary evidence and official records to substantiate the film's claim that 25,000 people went missing during the militancy period in Punjab.

Bittu stated that if the filmmakers are able to authenticate their claims with credible evidence, he is prepared to issue a public apology. However, he warned that if no such proof is produced, he will pursue further action in the matter.

Addressing a press conference at Rail Bhavan in New Delhi, the Union Minister alleged that the film presents the history of Punjab's militancy through a one-sided narrative. According to him, the film highlights only one perspective while overlooking the suffering of thousands of innocent people who fell victim to terrorism during that period.

Bittu questioned why, if the film seeks to portray historical events, it does not depict the massacres of innocent Hindus, bus passengers, shopkeepers, government employees, labourers, and ordinary civilians who lost their lives during the years of militancy. He asserted that any portrayal of historical events must ensure justice to all victims and present every aspect of the conflict in a balanced manner.

Reiterating his objections to the film, the minister alleged that several facts had been distorted. Referring specifically to his grandfather, former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, Bittu said the film's depiction of his role does not correspond with the actual sequence of events. He pointed out that Beant Singh had already been assassinated before the arrest of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and, therefore, could not have had any role in that incident.

Bittu further remarked that some individuals continually look for opportunities to criticise him because it serves their own interests. He added that the film had attracted little public attention initially, but the involvement of actor Diljit Dosanjh has brought it widespread publicity and a much larger audience.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar