'Playing With Fire': Minister To NDTV On Satluj Screenings By Akali Dal
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has criticized the filmmakers of 'Satluj' for allegedly spreading dangerous narratives and fabricating claims about unidentified bodies in Punjab. The minister denied that the government banned the film, suggesting the creators removed it themselves to generate publicity.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions regarding the portrayal of Punjab's militancy era and the sensitivity of historical narratives in Indian politics.
The row over the 'Satluj' has raised concerns about reopening old wounds from Punjab's past, with the film now being screened by organisations like the Akali Dal in some villages and gurdwaras. The film has been taken down from OTT platforms. In an interview with NDTV, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has launched a strongly-worded attack on the filmmakers, accusing the lead actor, Diljit Dosanjh, and director Honey Trehan of spreading a dangerous narrative and playing with fire.Bittu challenged the film's central claim about 25,000 unidentified bodies secretly disposed of. "First of all because records and facts always matter. If my facts are wrong anywhere, then I will apologise in front of you," Bittu said, and asked the filmmakers to back up their claims."If anywhere 25,000... the unidentified bodies they have talked about, if that data is true, let them show that list in front of you.
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