Indian authorities are scrutinizing "Satluj," a film focusing on the 1980s and early 1990s separatist insurgency in Punjab and the human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated thousands of alleged extrajudicial killings. The film, originally titled "Punjab 95," faced a three-year blockade by India’s censor board, which mandated nearly 130 cuts and a title change before a theatrical release.

The film is based on the life and murder of Khalra, a human rights activist who was reportedly tortured and killed by police in 1995. Khalra had been investigating thousands of disappearances and alleged killings during a government crackdown aimed at quashing a separatist movement seeking an independent Sikh state, Khalistan.

Khalra’s investigation suggested that police may have secretly cremated approximately 25,000 disappeared individuals without family notification or official record-keeping. Despite threats, he continued his work until his abduction from his home in September 1995. His body was never recovered, and he is presumed to have been murdered at the age of 42.

Following Khalra's death, his wife, Paramjit, spearheaded a campaign for justice, which prompted the government to order an investigation by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Five police officials have since been sentenced to life imprisonment for Khalra’s killing.

Filmmakers refused the extensive cuts demanded by the censor board and opted for a release on the ZEE5 streaming platform on July 3. However, the film was removed from the platform just 48 hours later, citing security concerns. The film's director, Honey Trehan, has been a proponent of the film's narrative, emphasizing its basis in factual events.

Major Indian film star Diljit Dosanjh portrays Jaswant Singh Khalra in the 163-minute biopic. The film's narrative reportedly includes the perspective of the police, offering a complex portrayal of the events.

The controversy surrounding "Satluj" highlights ongoing sensitivities regarding the period of the Punjab insurgency and the government's response. The film's journey from censor board demands to streaming platform removal underscores the challenges faced by filmmakers tackling controversial historical narratives in India.

Questions remain about the specific security grounds cited for the film's removal from the streaming platform and whether it will be made available to audiences in the future. The film's producers have maintained their commitment to sharing Khalra's story, despite these obstacles.