Giani Harpreet Singh Demands Immediate Release of Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra's Biopic

Former Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh and the current president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (rebel faction), has demanded an immediate release of the biographical film based on the life of Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra, a prominent human rights activist and a martyr in the Sikh community. The demand to release Diljit Dosanjh-starrer was made on the occasion of Bhai Khalra’s martyrdom day, a day remembered for his sacrifice in the fight for justice and truth.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Giani Harpreet Singh highlighted the significance of Bhai Khalra's contributions to human rights, stating, “Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra was a true warrior for justice and the Sikh community. He laid down his life for human rights and truth. On his martyrdom day, we demand the immediate release of the film about his life, which stars Diljit Dosanjh as the lead.”

Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra is widely respected for his relentless efforts in exposing the extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and illegal cremations carried out by the Punjab Police in the 1980s and 1990s. His activism, despite facing tremendous personal risks, brought global attention to the human rights violations in Punjab. In 1995, Khalra was abducted by the Punjab Police, and his disappearance remains one of the most tragic chapters in modern Sikh history.

The biopic, which stars popular Punjabi actor Diljit Dosanjh in the role of Bhai Khalra, has generated significant buzz in the media and among the Sikh community. The film is expected to shed light on the challenges faced by Khalra and the larger struggle for justice in Punjab. However, the release of the movie has been delayed due to controversies surrounding its content, with demands from various quarters for cuts to the film before it can be shown.