Chandigarh/ New Delhi (August 21, 2014): Media reports suggest that India may re-impose ban on Punjab Movie Kaum De Heere that was set to be released tomorrow (August 22). India’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has expressed reservation and alleged serious concern over the contents of a Punjabi film which is based on life and sacrifice of Sikh martyrs – Shaheed Beant Singh, Shaheed Kehar Singh and Shaheed Satwant Singh.
Shaheed Beant Singh and Satwant Singh had assassinated former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Shaheed Kehar Singh was sentenced to death by Indian courts for motivating Bhai Beant Singha to assassinate Indira Gandhi who had ordered bloodly army attack against Sikh nation in June 1984. Trio have been recognized as “National Sikh Martyrs” and their martyrdom days are observed annually at Akal Takht Sahib.
In a communication to I&B ministry, MHA has said that Punjabi-language film ‘Kaum De Heere’, which is scheduled to be released tomorrow, may affect the communal harmony in Punjab and other northern states.
Ministry of Home Affairs, India reportedly told Information and Broadcasting ministry that some of the content in the film was “highly objectionable” and may create enmity between communities and lead to communal tension.
It is notable that MHA’s serious concerns arose only after Punjab BJP leader Lakshmi Kanta Chawla demanded ban on the Movie. Political rivals Punjab BJP and Punjab Youth Congress have joined each other on this issue to oppose movie on the lives of Sikh martyrs.
It is notable that in 2013 Sadda Haq movie was banned by four northern states of Punjab taking pleas of threat to communal harmony. The movie was later released as per directions of Supreme Court of India and was screen peacefully. Sadda Haq’s peaceful screening made it evident that the state governments’ prescriptions about threat to communal harmony and law & order were incorrect.
It is further notable that Kaum De Heere was banned earlier this year by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
After being banned in India the movie was released in other parts of the world.
The movie was recently cleared by CBFC after the makers of the movie made some changes in the film.