The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) announced plans to screen the film "Satluj" in every village and corner of Punjab [1].

The move represents an effort by the party to utilize cinema as a political and educational tool. By focusing on the life of activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, the SAD aims to engage younger generations with the history of the Sikh community [3].

Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the SAD, said the screenings are intended to ensure that youth learn about the "unspeakable tragedy" faced by the community [1, 3]. The film focuses on the efforts of Khalra to uncover the truth regarding disappearances and deaths during the insurgency in the region.

However, the initiative has drawn criticism from political observers. Analyst Raman Malik said the campaign raises significant law-and-order concerns [2]. Malik said the party is attempting to build a political narrative based on judicial findings, stating that "Supreme Court rulings on specific cases should not be used to justify broader political narratives" [2].

The SAD's strategy comes amid a period of political volatility for the party. An unnamed spokesperson for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said the Akali Dal has lost the trust of the people following a series of electoral defeats [4].

Supporters of the screenings believe the film will serve as a necessary historical record. Critics, conversely, suggest that the widespread distribution of the film in a politically charged atmosphere could lead to instability [2].

“"We will screen Satluj in every village and corner of Punjab."”

The decision to screen 'Satluj' is an attempt by the Shiromani Akali Dal to reclaim political ground by appealing to historical grievances and identity. By bypassing traditional theaters and moving into villages, the party is attempting to mobilize a grassroots base. However, the friction between the SAD's educational goals and the warnings of law-and-order instability highlights the volatile nature of historical memory in Punjab's current political climate.