Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu on Monday, 13 July clarified that his objections to the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film 'Satluj' are directed not at any religion but at the depiction of terrorism, violence, and bloodshed. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Bittu drew a firm distinction between the Sikh faith and the militancy that ravaged Punjab in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Sikhism Stands for Peace, Not Violence

Bittu emphasised that Sikhism, as a faith, 'stands for peace, courage, sacrifice and service to humanity' — and that the violence of the militancy era should never be conflated with the religion itself. He cited distinguished Sikh personalities who have served the nation in the judiciary, armed forces, public administration, business, sports, literature, and science, arguing that these contributions represent Sikhism's true values. He also displayed photographs of Sikhs he described as role models for himself and the world.

Questions Over the Film 'Satluj'

On the film specifically, Bittu raised concerns about the presentation of historical events, questioning the source behind the figure of 25,000 alleged missing bodies and the portrayal of certain historical personalities and events. He stressed that historical narratives must be presented in a balanced manner and that any disputed facts should be examined through a lawful, time-bound process.

Personal Loss and the Demand for Inquiry

Bittu spoke from personal experience, recalling that his grandfather, former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, was assassinated on 31 August 1995. He also referred to the disappearance of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra in September 1995, noting that both families had suffered because of the violence of that period.

On the demand by Paramjit Kaur Khalra, wife of the slain activist, for a Commission of Inquiry into matters related to her husband, Bittu said he supported the call for an independent, impartial, and time-bound inquiry into the killings of innocent civilians, bus passengers, police personnel, and others. He indicated his intention to meet her in person. He also noted that between 1992 and 1995, Khalra had exercised every constitutional right without obstruction and that no FIR was ever registered against him.

Appeal to Akal Takht and Path Forward

Bittu appealed to the Akal Takht Jathedar, who is scheduled to perform an ardas on 14 July, to offer prayers for all those affected by Punjab's years of violence — including civilians, bus passengers, police personnel, and other victims. He called for the remembrance of every life lost and prayed that such violence never recurs.

Rounding off his remarks, Bittu reiterated that Punjab's future lies in peace, reconciliation, communal harmony, and the rejection of terrorism in all its forms. He added that the suffering of victims must not be politicised.