‘Satluj’ Makers Cannot Hide Behind Creative Freedom, Says Ravneet Singh Bittu; Seeks Evidence on Historical Claims

July 12, 2026

Chandigarh: Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu on Sunday criticised the makers of the film ‘Satluj’, saying filmmakers cannot use “creative freedom” as a justification for presenting disputed claims as established historical facts.

Bittu said Punjab’s painful past should not be treated as a script that can be selectively edited to promote a particular narrative.

Bittu Seeks Evidence Behind 25,000 Figure

In a statement, the Union Minister challenged the producer and director of ‘Satluj’ to present documentary evidence, official records, judicial findings and authenticated data supporting the figure of 25,000 missing or illegally cremated bodies portrayed in the film.

He questioned why the number was presented as a confirmed historical fact if it was based only on estimates or allegations.

Bittu said viewers should have been informed whether the figure has received any final judicial confirmation.

Questions Portrayal of Punjab’s Terrorism Era

Bittu, who is the grandson of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, who was assassinated by Khalistani militants in 1995, also raised concerns over what he called selective representation of Punjab’s troubled period.

He questioned why the film did not highlight the killings of innocent civilians, including Hindu victims, bus passengers, shopkeepers, government employees and labourers who were targeted during terrorism.

He also pointed to the sacrifices of Punjab Police personnel, security forces and ordinary citizens who fought against terrorism, saying their contributions should not be ignored.

‘History Cannot Be Rewritten Through Selective Storytelling’

Bittu said every innocent victim of violence deserves justice and remembrance, regardless of religion, community or ideology.

He urged the filmmakers to publicly release the documentary basis behind the figures shown in the film and clarify if those numbers are not officially verified.

The Union Minister said historical issues require facts and evidence, adding that contested claims should not be portrayed as unquestionable truth.