The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), regarded as the mini parliament of the Sikh community, has announced a ban on the screening of the film “Emergency,” directed by BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, citing its defamation of Sikhs. This decision was made during an executive meeting held in Amritsar.
SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami condemned the film, asserting that it not only disparaged the Sikh community but also involved character assassination against Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwala, a figure revered by many Sikhs. “This film has been created with the intent to spread poison and hatred against our community under an anti-Sikh agenda, which we will not tolerate in Punjab,” Dhami stated.
He highlighted the significant role that Sikhs, particularly the leadership of the Shiromani Akali Dal, played in protesting against the Emergency imposed by former Congress Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, often at the cost of their personal freedom. Dhami urged the Punjab government to represent the state’s interests by instituting a full ban on “Emergency” to preserve communal harmony.
In a related matter, Dhami called on the Speaker of the Lok Sabha to take action against Kangana Ranaut for her allegedly communal rhetoric, suggesting that her parliamentary membership should be revoked. He emphasized the discrimination faced by Sikhs in the country, citing the denial of the film “Punjab 95,” which tells the story of the prominent Sikh leader Jaswant Singh Khalra, despite numerous proposed cuts.
Furthermore, Dhami referenced the case of Balwant Singh Rajoana, who remains on death row despite a Supreme Court ruling that has not been acted upon by the central government. Rajoana has since filed a petition with the Supreme Court, and the SGPC has pledged its continued support for his cause as well as for other Sikh prisoners.
Additionally, Dhami expressed grave concern over the Meghalaya government’s plans to demolish the 200-year-old Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar located in Punjabi Colony, Shillong. He urged immediate cessation of these plans to protect the rights of local Sikhs. Dhami also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for intervention to halt what he described as anti-Sikh actions.
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