is facing renewed questions over its association with Jaswant Singh Khalra, a former general secretary of the party’s human rights wing. Ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections, the matter has come up again.
Khalra became widely known for documenting alleged extrajudicial killings and the illegal cremation of unclaimed bodies during the militancy period in Punjab. He was abducted on September 6, 1995, and was later murdered in police custody. Five policemen were eventually convicted in the case.
The debate has gained momentum following the controversy surrounding the film Satluj. The government decided to remove the movie from the ZEE5 streaming platform, citing national security concerns.
Critics have accused the Akali Dal of failing to honour Khalra’s legacy after his death. They claim the party did not continue highlighting his work over the past three decades. The recent attention on Satluj has brought his contributions back into public discussion.
The development adds to the political challenges facing the Akali Dal as it prepares for the upcoming state elections, with the party already confronting criticism over issues linked to its previous terms in power.