The film “Panjab 95,” which details the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, faces a release ban by the Central Board of Film Certification, citing fears of public disorder. This film, featuring renowned Punjabi rapper Diljit Dosanjh, highlights Khalra’s brave efforts in exposing the state-sanctioned disappearances of innocent men in Punjab during the dark era of the 1980s and 90s. This censorship raises critical issues about freedom of expression in India, where democratic values are meant to flourish.
While films like “The Kashmir Files” and “Article 15” have received clearance, even with their controversial themes, “Panjab 95” remains stifled despite its factual foundation. Jaswant Singh Khalra is revered as a human rights champion, representing communal struggles and the courage to confront governmental abuses. His legacy underlines the historical disregard for human rights, where arbitrary power decisions have cast shadows on generations.
Hailing from Khalra village in Tarn Taran, Khalra emerged as a truth beacon during the violent insurgency. As the Punjab Police claimed to combat terrorism, they often committed gross violations, leading to the torturous deaths of myriad innocents. Khalra’s investigations unveiled the cold reality of 25,000 illegal murders, fuelled by misplaced law enforcement.
Khalra’s quest for justice came at a severe cost; he was kidnapped and murdered, following which police officers were convicted for his abduction. The narrative of “Panjab 95” is a poignant reminder of an ongoing battle for accountability and human rights, reflecting Khalra’s findings that are already documented as public knowledge. The restrictive stance on the film hints at a deep discomfort with narratives that challenge state propositions.
The current film censorship raises troubling contradictions: government-favoured films receive accolades, while truth-focused stories are relegated to silence. This inconsistency underscores a precarious democracy, where difficult realities are brushed aside. Bibi Paramjit Kaur Khalra, Jaswant’s wife, expressed sorrow over the ban, insisting that the film conveys verified truths already accepted in courts, reinforcing Khalra’s unassailable commitment to justice.
The struggle for “Panjab 95” serves as a reminder of cinema’s capacity to challenge the status quo and voice suppressed stories. Khalra’s journey is not merely historical; it stands as an enduring testament to resilience against injustice. Society must, regardless of the discomfort, face its truths to move towards healing. Releasing “Panjab 95” would honour Khalra’s legacy and reaffirm the commitment to justice and democratic values, allowing his spirit to inspire collective belief in truth and humanity’s strength.
The film “Panjab 95,” portraying the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has been banned by the Central Board of Film Certification due to concerns over potential unrest. The ban raises issues of freedom of expression, especially as other controversial films have been allowed. Khalra’s legacy underscores the struggle for justice and accountability regarding human rights abuses in Punjab’s dark past during the 1980s and 90s, and highlights the ongoing censorship of narratives that challenge state power.
The blocking of “Panjab 95” reveals significant tensions within the fabric of democratic freedoms in India. It highlights how powerful narratives must be permitted to exist, even when they challenge the status quo. Jaswant Singh Khalra’s legacy endures as a beacon of human rights, and the struggle for the film’s release reiterates the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths. This fight for storytelling is essential for societal healing and remembering those whose voices have been silenced by history.
Original Source: m.thewire.in
