Punjab, January 16:
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has demanded that Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film, Emergency, be banned in Punjab. The SGPC alleges that the film misrepresents Sikhs and distorts significant historical events. The movie, produced by actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, is set to be released on January 17, following approval from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has written to Punjab’s Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, requesting that the film’s release be blocked. Dhami cautioned that Emergency could cause unrest and provoke anger within the Sikh community. He stressed that the government has a responsibility to protect peace and prevent the spread of content that could harm the Sikh community’s heritage.
Earlier in September 2024, the SGPC had raised concerns with the Punjab Chief Secretary about the film. Despite formally submitting a resolution against the movie, the SGPC claims the government has not yet taken any action.
SGPC representatives, including Gurcharan Singh Grewal, expressed concerns over the lack of transparency regarding the film’s content. Although some scenes were reportedly removed following CBFC’s intervention, the SGPC has stated that there is no clear explanation regarding the changes made. The committee fears that the film may disrupt social harmony in the state.
The SGPC has accused Emergency of portraying Sikhs negatively, particularly in relation to the 1984 events, including the military attack on the sacred Sikh sites of Sri Harmandir Sahib and Sri Akal Takht Sahib. The film allegedly also distorts the depiction of the Sikh genocide and figures like Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
The committee claims the film promotes an anti-Sikh narrative and could incite hatred against the Sikh community both domestically and globally.
Initially set for release on September 6, 2024, the film faced delays after objections from Sikh organizations and independent MP Sarabjit Singh Khalsa. Khalsa, whose father Beant Singh was one of the assassins of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, raised concerns about scenes in the trailer that seemed to depict Sikhs as extremists or separatists.
As a result, the CBFC withheld the film’s certification until significant edits were made, including the removal of three scenes and 10 content modifications. After these adjustments, the film was cleared for release.
The SGPC has warned that if Emergency is released in Punjab, protests will take place across the state. The committee has vowed to oppose the film in order to protect the dignity and history of the Sikh community.
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