Satluj : Let the Debate Rest-MP Sahney
Press release
13/07/2026
Satluj : Let the Debate Rest-MP Sahney
Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Sahney has said that “I am deeply pained by the recent discourse surrounding the film Satluj. The film portrays a specific chapter of Punjab’s history relating to disappearances, fake encounters, extra-judicial killings and illegal cremations without informing the kith and kin.”
Any film based on historical events should be viewed as an artistic interpretation of a particular subject and must not become a means to reopen old wounds or create fresh divisions.
Dr Sahney added that It is well established that Jaswant Singh Khalra pursued the issue of disappearances and illegal cremations only through constitutional and legal means, including filing habeas corpus petitions before the courts. The Supreme Court of India and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took cognizance of these issues, the CBI registered 62 cases for investigation, and his own abduction and murder ultimately led to the conviction .
Dr. Sahney added that Diljit Dosanjh’s Satluj is a film centred on one specific chapter of Punjab’s history concerning alleged human rights violations. It is not “Punjab Files”, nor does it seek to present the entire history of terrorism and militancy in Punjab. Equally, neither Diljit Dosanjh nor the makers of the film have sought to justify terrorism or diminish the immense suffering caused by militancy, which claimed the lives of thousands of innocent civilians, security personnel and public servants during Punjab’s darkest years.
Dr Sahney remarked now that every Punjabi has had the opportunity to watch the film, the debate should be allowed to rest rather than reopening old wounds or relitigating the past.
“Let us instead learn from these dark chapters of our history to strengthen justice and preserve the social harmony that is essential for a progressive and peaceful Punjab.” Said Dr Sahney
Punjab’s hard-earned peace should not be endangered by the uncalled for narratives.he added