Amritsar, Punjab (April 05, 2013): Sikh body, Dal Khalsa, today strongly condemned Punjab government for banning film Sadda Haq on frivolous charges and seek rethinking on it.
Party head Bhai Harcharanjeet Singh Dhami in a strong worded statement said the Akali led Punjab government under pressure from bureacracy has attempted to suppress ‘the right to expression’ by banning the film in the state.
He said it is ironic that the SGPC, which was on forefront in the fight to get the clearance certificate from the Censor Board has failed to convince its own Akali government.
“By banning the film, the Punjab government has belittled the SGPC and Sikh institutions. Instead of serving on the post of SGPC as lame duck and helpless leader, Jathedar Avtar Singh Makkar should quit the post gracefully marking his protest against the ban”, he added.
He said the controversy raised by some Hindutva organizations was uncalled and ridiculous. He said bureaucracy and police leadership has used fanatical groups like Shiv Sens as frontrunner to create unnecessary “hala-gulla” so as to get an excuse to ban the film.
He said the film was a glimpse on the recent history of Punjab that saw enough bloodshed. The Censor Board and the SGPC has given a go-ahead to the film and at this stage those who are objecting to it are driven by communal mindset.
He said the song “Baggi”, which was being used by media to create controversy has nothing to do with the film Sadda Haq. This song has been sung by Jazy B for the promotion of this film. This song is not a part of the film.