A political controversy has intensified in Punjab over the film Satluj, with Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu questioning the claim of 25,000 missing or illegally cremated bodies allegedly linked to the state’s militancy period. Bittu has demanded documentary evidence from the film’s makers or a clarification that the figure is not based on officially verified records.

Bittu said the portrayal of Punjab’s militancy era in the film did not adequately highlight the sacrifices of security personnel and civilians affected by terrorism. He questioned why the alleged figure of 25,000 bodies was presented as a historical fact without reference to any final judicial determination and also raised concerns over the depiction of victims of terrorist violence, including innocent civilians and security forces.

The Union Minister also shared video clips related to the militancy period on social media, which drew reactions from political leaders across party lines. A senior BJP leader said that selective images and videos do not represent the complete history of the period and suggested that Punjab should focus on healing and moving forward instead of reopening painful chapters.

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Opposition leaders criticised Bittu’s remarks, accusing the BJP of attempting to reopen sensitive issues for political gains ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Congress MLA Pargat Singh alleged that such statements could disturb the peace achieved in the state after years of violence. Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) challenged Bittu and other leaders to provide documentary evidence for claims regarding the number of people killed during the militancy period.

The controversy has also revived demands for an independent inquiry into alleged human rights violations during the 1980s and 1990s. Paramjit Kaur Khalra urged the Akal Takht Jathedar to establish a people’s commission to examine issues related to enforced disappearances, unidentified bodies, and alleged fake encounters. She said victims’ families were still seeking justice and accountability for events during the turbulent period.

Bittu supported the demand for an impartial and time-bound investigation into killings of civilians, police personnel, and others during the militancy era. Meanwhile, Faridkot MP Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa announced plans to allocate Rs 1 crore from his MPLADS fund for a memorial dedicated to human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra near Harike Pattan. The ongoing debate has brought renewed focus on Punjab’s violent past, with political parties divided over how the history should be addressed and remembered.

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