New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) Amid the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film ‘Satluj’ row, Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu on Monday said his objections were not directed against any religion, but against terrorism, violence and bloodshed.
He said Sikhism also “stands for peace, courage, sacrifice and service to humanity”.
Bittu highlighted the contributions of members of the Sikh community in diverse fields, including the judiciary, the armed forces, public administration, business, sports, literature and science.
He cited examples of distinguished Sikh personalities who have served the nation and achieved global recognition, stating that these contributions represent the true values of Sikhism.
He contrasted these contributions with the violence committed during the period of militancy in Punjab, stating that terrorism had caused the loss of thousands of innocent lives, including civilians, bus passengers, police personnel and public servants. He said terrorism should not be equated with Sikhism.
Bittu, during an interaction with the media here, also showed pictures of Sikhs who were role models for him and for the entire world.
On the demand raised by Paramjit Kaur Khalra, wife of slain human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, for the constitution of a ‘Commission of Inquiry’ into issues relating to her husband, Bittu said he supported the demand for an independent, impartial and time-bound inquiry into killings of innocent civilians, bus passengers, police personnel and others.
He said all facts should be examined through due process and that the truth should emerge through a credible institutional mechanism.
Regarding the film ‘Satluj’, Bittu expressed concern that historical events should be presented in a balanced manner. He questioned certain aspects of the film, including the source of the figure of 25,000 alleged missing bodies and the portrayal of certain historical personalities and events.
Recalling his personal experience, Bittu stated that his grandfather, former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, was assassinated on August 31, 1995.
He also referred to the subsequent disappearance of Khalra in September 1995 and said both families had suffered because of the violence of that period. He said the suffering of victims should not be politicised and indicated his intention to meet Khalra’s wife.
He also said that between 1992 and 1995, Khalra exercised every constitutional right and was never stopped from any activity, nor was any first information report (FIR) registered against him.
Bittu appealed to the Akal Takht Jathedar, who is scheduled to perform an ardas on July 14, to offer prayers for all those affected by the years of violence in Punjab, including innocent civilians, bus passengers, police personnel and other victims.
He called for remembrance of every life lost and prayed that such violence never returns.
He reiterated that historical events should be examined fairly, that any disputed facts should be investigated through a lawful and time-bound process, and that Punjab’s future lies in peace, reconciliation, communal harmony, and the rejection of terrorism in all its forms.
–IANS
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