Akal Takht And SGPC Seek Ban On 'Emergency' For Alleged Sikh Character Assassination

Emergency Controversy: The Akhal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) have called for an immediate ban on the film "Emergency". They claim it attempts to "character assassinate" Sikhs.

SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami, during a press conference, demanded an FIR against Kangana Ranaut, who is the film's writer, director, producer, and lead actor. "Emergency", featuring actor-MP Ranaut, is set to release next month. The political drama's release has been postponed several times; it was initially slated for November 24, 2023.

Gyani Raghbir Singh, Jathedar of the Akal Takht, expressed strong objections. He stated that excerpts from the film misrepresent Sikhs as separatists, which he believes is part of a deep conspiracy. He described this as a "despicable act" of disrespecting the community by creating an anti-Sikh narrative about the martyrs of June 1984.

The community can never forget the anti-Sikh brutality of June 1984. Singh said that Ranaut's film attempts to character assassinate Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale, who has been declared a Qaumi Shaheed (community's martyr) by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Dhami added that Ranaut often makes controversial statements against Sikhs and Punjab with the intention of "deliberately character assassinating" Sikhs, which the community cannot tolerate.

Dhami alleged that Ranaut frequently makes statements provoking Sikh sentiments but faces no action from the government. He urged authorities to book her "for inciting religious sentiments of Sikhs through her film Emergency". He warned that the film could "cause a lot of anger and resentment in the Sikh community".

Dhami highlighted past instances where Sikh sentiments were hurt due to misrepresentation in films. He urged the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting to ban "Emergency" immediately and ensure no future films with anti-Sikh sentiments are released.

Demand for Representation in CBFC

The SGPC president called for including Sikh members in the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). He claimed that biased decisions are being made due to the absence of a Sikh member. Dhami noted that SGPC has repeatedly passed resolutions demanding a Sikh representative in CBFC during its general meetings, but this demand remains unmet by the government.

The controversy surrounding "Emergency" continues to escalate as Sikh leaders demand action against what they see as deliberate misrepresentation and disrespect towards their community. The call for banning the film highlights ongoing tensions between filmmakers and religious communities over sensitive historical portrayals.