The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has sent a legal notice to the makers of Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming movie Emergency. SGPC secretary Partap Singh confirmed that the notice was sent under the direction of SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami after the release of the trailer, which has deeply hurt Sikh sentiments. The SGPC asserts that there is no evidence or record that Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale or anyone from the Sikh community ever demanded Khalistan, labeling the portrayal as false and defamatory. Sant Bhindranwale did not demand Khalistan, his statements were, ‘If they give it (Khalistan) to us, we will not repeat the mistake of 1947,’ and ‘The day the Army steps into the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), the foundation of Khalistan will be laid.’ In the 1980-90s, there was a movement for Khalistan in Panjab, supported by the Diaspora. However, the key point is that the events of the 1980s and 90s are unrelated to the Emergency (1975-77), except that Indira Gandhi, upset with SAD's opposition, is believed by historians to have sabotaged Panjab (SDW Vol. 2 Issue 35, Story 2). Meanwhile, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has asked for some cuts to the movie. Since the producers have not agreed to them, the certification has stalled. The movie was set to release on 6 Sep. Ranaut plans a legal action against the CBFC. Though the CBFC has not said a word, Ranaut has said, ‘The Censor Board members are getting threats.’
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