Today, the government of India has once again proved why it’s claim to being the world’s largest democracy is laughable. Not to mention the media in India, which claims to be fair and democratic in nature, however, this is simply not the case. India’s media is clearly state run and it’s news outlets make stories that create division within communities. Why am I saying all this?Sadda Haq is a fictional movie based on real events surrounding the militancy era in Punjab during the 1980’s and 1990’s. Showing accounts of “false encounters” and police brutality, the movie aims to show why average citizens were forced to take up arms against the oppressive regime. The movie was set to release worldwide today on April 5, 2013. Although the Indian Government can’t ban the movie worldwide, the Punjab government did manage to ban the movie in Punjab and other parts of India in just a few hours prior to its opening after the movie was privately screened to Punjab Police members and state government officials.
These officials who watched the private screening included the likes of DGP Sumedh Saini. Interestingly enough, the ban comes from the Punjab government run by Parkash Badal of the Akali Party, a party that is supposed to represent the Sikh interests, but at the same time this same government has promoted Saini to the ranks of DGP(Deputy General of Police) even after countless human rights claims exist against him for his participation in the post 1984 Punjab genocide of Sikh youth.Over the past few days the Indian news outlets have been talking about Sadda Haq being a controversial film promoting Khalistan. It is no doubt that Sadda Haq discusses the militancy era, but it’s aim is to show the truth that has been pushed under the rug by the government and media.
The media has been stating that sentiments have been hurt with Jazzy B’s promotional song for the movie, “Baghi” in which Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s name is slated alongside Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and Balwant Singh Rajoana. How is the media making this claim? Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale is a household name in Sikh homes. His picture adorns the walls of many homes and ballads of his actions are sung in Gurdwaras across the world. Balwant Singh Rajoana’s execution was put on hold due to the Sikh nation coming together only a year ago. I am not expressing an opinion on either individual, but rather stating that the media’s “outrage” of Guru Gobind Singh Ji being named in the same line as Bhindranwale and Rajoana is factless and baseless. The Sikh nation is not offended by the song, as it has reached over 200,000 views on YouTube and 1,800+ likes compared to only 160 dislikes.The media then expresses outrage the Bhagat Singh’s name is used alongside Rajoana. Has the media forgotten India’s history? Bhagat Singh was wanted for the murder and for throwing bombs in the assembly hall. For the British, he was a rebel or “baghi”. In the same light, Balwant Singh Rajoana is in jail for his connection with then CM Beant Singh’s assassination. Rajoana’s actions are not seen any different from Bhagat Singh’s action- however, the Indian media fails to recognize this.
My strife is with the biased and one-sided new reports coming from Punjab. Whereas the movie is being called “Khalistani” and Sikh groups advocating for its release are being called “radical”. Extremist groups such as Shiv Sena are giving open threats to kill people if the movie is released. Shiv Sena has also threatened to kill singers like Jazzy B for singing such songs. However, not once is this news being spread on the mainstream news channels. Furthermore, Shiv Sena is never mentioned as a “radical” Hindu group.
The views of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, and Balwant Singh Rajoana are views of the Sikh nation. From the Sikh perspective collectively advocated via the Akal Takth- Bhindranwale is a martyr and Rajoana is a living martyr. The new outlets should not report false news to divide the community. No Sikhs have taken offense to these individuals being mentioned together in the same line as Guru Gobind Singh Ji, so the there is no reason that the state run media should play pretend and present a distorted picture.
Sadda Haq has been banned in Punjab due to the harsh realities it has portrayed. The movie will most likely be watched by thousands across the world where bans are impossible to enforce. Unfortunately, the Indian media resort to old tactics claiming that support for a revolution is only present in nations outside India, and those living in Punjab do not support such actions. Gauging such support in Punjab will be impossible if the movie is banned. However- the move to ban Sadda Haq in Punjab, the support shown for Jazzy B’s song, the Sikh nation rising for Rajoana a year ago, and the household name of Bhindranwale, only shows that the Sikh nation yearns for a change.
As long as the Sikh nation is plagued by state run media, corrupt politicans and sold out religious leaders- the Sikh nation will continue its uphill battle to show the world what really occurred and continues to occur in it’s homeland of Punjab. After first expressing support for the movie, the SGPC has now become mum on the subject. If the SGPC was to truly represent the views of the Sikh nation, then it should speak for the people- that’s how democracy works.
Indians have already been presented a biased view for almost 30 years in regards to the atrocities committed during the 80’s and 90’s. The biased news reports, and showing “some” Sikhs being anti-national has given the impression to Indians that only some “radical” Sikhs care about 1984, and most Sikhs are over it.
The truth is that you can not move past an event or even forget an event, when the event was never even remembered. So long as the truth is withheld and the events are portrayed falsely, Sikhs will continue to feel alienated. If India truly wants to include the Sikh nation, it needs to bring the culprits to justice, it needs to allow freedom of speech, and it’s citizens need to stand with their Sikh/Punjabi brothers and ensure that such injustices are never committed again and that those responsible for past acts are convicted. Otherwise, the old saying goes that, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
-JSD
What a wonderful movie and something for our youngsters to learn from. “Sant Sipahi” – this is what we ARE in times of distress or disrespect!
Amrit, not only Saunders but also policeman Chanan Singh was shot dead in this event by Bhagat Singh party. He was just an employee like those protecting Beant Singh, but several of these folks who like to spread the govt. propaganda virus without opening their eyes will not pay attention to details. In fact, you’ll be surprised that Punjabi government had a fund running until 2002 (yes, that is right) in the name of “Saunders and Chanan Singh” – irony?
Also, what about Kakori? Do these guys, who hail them heroes, know that a passenger died in accidental fire during the loot? What about Chandrashekar’s plan to blow up train? (heard about that?) Why were they doing this? Did the British government rape their mother or daughter or killed their old father under torture?
when bhagat singh and udham singh fought for a slave community…they were freedom fighters but when sant jarnail singh bhindrawala, balwant singh rajoana fought for a slave community they are called terrorists….u people will always remain biased. During brtishers u people didnt have the courage to fight against them and sikhs stood for you…and when u people take their rights…..what do you expect?? to sit in your feet as u did with britishers?? the biased nature of this so called democratic country is clearly visible from the ban on this movie….
Vikram- my understanding the people killed with Beant Singh were bodyguards or associates of his. Unfortunately to carry out such a high profile assassination of such a high profile human rights abuser you do get collateral damage and bodyguards etc cannot really be surprised, after all they are risking their lives for a human rights abuser on a daily basis.
In regards to freedom fighters and innocent people- Bhagat Singh in fact shot the wrong person (Saunders) it was a case of mistaken identity. Do you consider Saunders innocent?
Nelson Mandela is a renowned freedom fighter. He was responsible for 100’s of deaths although not directly, but he did give the orders. That is why he was tried and found guilty.
Martin McGuinness was active in the IRA movement in Ireland. It didn’t stop him rising to politics afterwards.
Balwant Singh Rajoana and Dilawar Singh were happy to end their lives so Beant’s regime would stop killing Sikhs. How is it cowardly? I accept a suicide mission into an open bazaar or a hotel (as we sadly see today) is cowardly. Going direct for the perpetrator is the most honorable way of ending your life.
you accuse the indian media of a state controlled bias yet you make the same mistake you accuse the government of. you talk from one side of the mouth. jarnail Singh bandarwala till this day remains a controversial figure, even among sikhs let alone the mainstream. the difference between Bhagat Singh, Udham Singh etc in comparison with like lines of balwant Singh rajoana is that no innocent bystanders were killed, unlike the 17 people killed along with Beant Singh. suicide bombing is a cowards tactic. likewise the delusion that khalistanis were freedom fighters
Mr. Vikram, Bhagat Singh shot dead Saunders (who had nothing to do with lathi-charge) to avenge the accidental death of Lala Lajpat Rai, but he is a “hero” for you? These young folks, depicted in the movie, had their fathers tortured to death, womenfolk sexually insulted and yet they were not to feel anger towards the system? Bravo!!! Anyway, if Bhagat Singh got so perturbed by Lala Lajpat Rai’s death (who was not blood related to him) do you know what steps Bhagat Singh would take in 1980s if his father or mother were subjected to the same treatment as many of the families in Punjab faced? Blind national jingoism that makes one immune to gross human rights violations inhuman – we live today as Universal citizens of this beautiful blue ball called “Earth”. People who are blinded by man-made artificial boundaries on this beautiful blue ball disgust me. Open your eyes, an see beyond the propaganda virus installed in India through the 100% state owned DD (Doordarshan)and AIR (All India Radio) in 1980s. These people fought for the independence of India so hard, what happened to them suddenly? ..ever wondered? …people like you are so blinded in prejudice that they can’t even listen to police atrocities on innocents …just yesterday the newspapers of North were filled up with heart wrenching story of a “Dalit” family committing mass – suicide because instead of helping them with the rape case of their daughter the police was making their life a living hell. Instead of doing it’d duty in finding the poor fellows yet again kidnapped (previously raped) daughter, the Haryana police was asking him to produce his daughter in court – what a cruel joke? If the police can behave like this with common citizens today even in the presence of so much media outlets, what they were doing in Punjab in 1980s – 90s, when media was sensored and police was given dictatorial powers, is very obvious to those who are not blinded in jingoism. People who care for India, care for their neighbors. A Punjabi saying goes – if you don’t care about the wall of your neighbor, don’t forget that the roof of your own house may be resting on that same shared wall. Wait until the version of Democracy you are supporting reaches your own doorstep.