Various Sikh bodies stage protests against proposed release of Nanak Shah Fakir film

Amritsar, April 9: Even as the SGPC wrote to the Union Broadcasting Ministry, seeking a ban on the controversial film, ‘Nanak Shah Fakir’, the resentment against the filmmaker is increasing among the Sikh community ahead of its release on April 17.

SGPC secretary Dalmegh Singh confirmed that they had written to the broadcasting ministry for a ban on the film. The development occurred a couple of days after the SGPC executive committee had passed a resolution, urging the Centre as well as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to ban it. The Akal Takht too has supported the SGPC move to seek a ban on the film.

Meanwhile, the activists of Jatha Neelian Faujan protested against the film and staged a dharna near the [Darbar Sahib] and handed over a memorandum to the Akal Takht Jathedar. A release issued today said the youth body believed that portraying Sikh Gurus in any form was prohibited under the Sikh tenets.

The members of the jatha submitted a memorandum to Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh against the film’s producer, Harinder Singh Sikka. They urged the Jathedar to issue an edict, directing the producer to withdraw his film. They also requested the Akal Takht to seize the prints of the film. Later, they performed ‘Ardas’ at the Akal Takht and pledged to defend the tenets of the faith at all cost. The Jathedar assured the delegation that they would not allow the film to be released.

Earlier, they stood in queue at the entrance gate of the [Darbar Sahib], while holding placards to convey their message. Jatha head Harjinder Singh slammed the filmmaker for “showing insensitivity and indifference” towards the Sikh faith.

He said, “Depicting a Sikh Guru in any form violates Sikh principles and tenets.” He maintained that the film was an attempt to violate Sikh principles, adding that the producer had challenged the community to which the Sikhs would respond befittingly.

YAD holds protest

Amritsar, April 9: Later, the activists of the Youth Akali Dal held protest against Nanak Shah Fakir film’s producer Harinder Sikka. The YAD also sought a ban on the film. The Sikh Sangat from Chheharta area, led by Gagandeep Singh, also wrote to the Akal Takht Jathedar, seeking his intervention over the issue.

Punjabi University students stage protest against Nanak Shah Fakir Film

Patiala, April 9: Hundreds of students of Punjabi University Patiala also staged protest against makers of the Nanak Shah Fakir film and demanded immediate withdrawal of the controversial movie.