Times of India⚠Truth cannot remain buried forever, justice and courage
Hindustan Times⚠Extrajudicial killings, true story
Satluj, directed by Honey Trehan and starring Diljit Dosanjh as Jaswant Singh Khalra, premiered on ZEE5 on July 3 before removal two days later. The film depicts Khalra's investigation into cremations and disappearances in Punjab from 1984 to 1994 and faced over 120 cuts demanded by the CBFC after nearly three years of review. Harbhajan Singh posted public comments on the film via X.
The release and removal of Satluj shows Indian institutions suppressing narratives of state violence against Sikhs during 1984-1994 counter-insurgency operations.
“Institutional censorship and demands for accountability from families in Punjab”
Conservative
Harbhajan Singh’s praise revives a selective narrative that downplays the Khalistani insurgency threat and security forces' role in restoring order.
“National unity and risks of inflaming regional grievances”
Libertarian
CBFC review and platform withdrawal illustrate state gatekeeping of stories about alleged extrajudicial killings by its own agents.
“Skepticism of concentrated power and monopoly over historical memory”
Devil's Advocate
All views accept Khalra allegations as established fact and treat platform withdrawal as state suppression while omitting evidentiary disputes and militant violence context.
“Evidentiary gaps and private platform actions rather than outright bans”