The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) announced plans to screen the film 'Satluj' across Punjab [1].

The movie's release is fueling political tension in the poll-bound region. Because the film depicts the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra during the militancy period of the 1980s and 1990s, it has become a flashpoint for debate ahead of upcoming elections [1, 2].

Originally titled 'Punjab ‘95', the film focuses on the efforts of Khalra to uncover the truth regarding disappearances during the insurgency [1]. The SAD said it intends to use the screenings to highlight these historical events to the public [1].

Concurrent with the film's promotion, law enforcement activity has increased in the region. Police from the Islamabad police station visited Amritsar Deputy Commissioner KBS Sidhu [2]. This visit followed the action of Taran Taran police, who took Khalra into custody [2].

The intersection of cinema and current police activity has drawn significant attention. The portrayal of state actions during the militancy era remains a sensitive subject in Punjab, especially as political parties vie for support in the lead-up to the vote [1, 2].

“The film 'Satluj' portrays activist Jaswant Singh Khalra’s life during the 1980s‑1990s militancy period.”

The use of 'Satluj' as a political tool by the Shiromani Akali Dal suggests that historical grievances and human rights records from the 1980s and 90s remain potent electoral issues in Punjab. By linking the film's narrative to current police actions and the custody of Jaswant Singh Khalra, political actors are attempting to mobilize voters through a shared memory of state conflict and civil liberties violations.