SGPC seeks ban on Kangana's Emergency over Sikh misrepresentation

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has called for a ban on the release of Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency, accusing it of misrepresenting Sikhs and distorting historical facts. The movie, produced by BJP MP and actress Kangana Ranaut, is set for release on January 17 after being cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami has written to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging the government to stop the film's release. Dhami warned that Emergency could incite anger and unrest among the Sikh community, emphasizing the government’s duty to maintain peace and protect Sikh heritage.

The SGPC had previously raised concerns with the Punjab Chief Secretary in September 2024, submitting an official resolution against the film. Despite this, no action has been taken. SGPC members, including Gurcharan Singh Grewal, expressed concerns about the film's lack of transparency, as certain scenes were deleted by CBFC, but no details have been provided about the changes.

The SGPC alleges that Emergency portrays Sikhs negatively, particularly in its depiction of the 1984 military action against sacred Sikh sites like Sri Harmandir Sahib and Sri Akal Takht Sahib. The film is also said to distort events related to the Sikh genocide and historical figures like Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

The SGPC further accuses the film of promoting an anti-Sikh agenda and inciting hatred against the community. Initially set for release on September 6, 2024, the film faced delays due to objections from Sikh organizations and independent MP Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, who expressed concerns over scenes depicting Sikhs as separatists. Following these objections, the CBFC withheld certification until several edits were made.

The SGPC has warned that protests will erupt in Punjab if the film is released, pledging to fight against it in order to protect the dignity and history of the Sikh community.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has called for a ban on the release of Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency, accusing it of misrepresenting Sikhs and distorting historical facts. The movie, produced by BJP MP and actress Kangana Ranaut, is set for release on January 17 after being cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami has written to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging the government to stop the film's release. Dhami warned that Emergency could incite anger and unrest among the Sikh community, emphasizing the government’s duty to maintain peace and protect Sikh heritage.

The SGPC had previously raised concerns with the Punjab Chief Secretary in September 2024, submitting an official resolution against the film. Despite this, no action has been taken. SGPC members, including Gurcharan Singh Grewal, expressed concerns about the film's lack of transparency, as certain scenes were deleted by CBFC, but no details have been provided about the changes.

The SGPC alleges that Emergency portrays Sikhs negatively, particularly in its depiction of the 1984 military action against sacred Sikh sites like Sri Harmandir Sahib and Sri Akal Takht Sahib. The film is also said to distort events related to the Sikh genocide and historical figures like Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

The SGPC further accuses the film of promoting an anti-Sikh agenda and inciting hatred against the community. Initially set for release on September 6, 2024, the film faced delays due to objections from Sikh organizations and independent MP Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, who expressed concerns over scenes depicting Sikhs as separatists. Following these objections, the CBFC withheld certification until several edits were made.

The SGPC has warned that protests will erupt in Punjab if the film is released, pledging to fight against it in order to protect the dignity and history of the Sikh community.