Jathedar Raghbir Singh orders SGPC to probe ‘Punjab 95’, censor board imposes 120 cuts on film

Amritsar: Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Singh Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh, has directed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to immediately form a high-level panel of Sikh scholars to review the film Punjab 95, based on the life of Shaheed Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra.

The Jathedar said that the version of the film approved by Khalra’s family has been significantly altered after cuts mandated by the censor board, a concern that the Khalra family has raised in a formal request to the Akal Takht Sahib.

He further stated that altering verified historical facts, especially in films related to historical events, undermines both the authenticity and the democratic process.

Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra is recognized as a martyr and human rights icon for the Sikh community. In a written directive to the SGPC, the Jathedar called for the formation of a panel to thoroughly examine the film from all perspectives before its release.

He urged that efforts be made to ensure the movie is released in its original form, addressing the concerns raised by the Khalra family and other Sikh organizations.