Cinematic expression is an integral part of democracy…Centre’s response to China’s objection on Battle of Galwan

New Delhi:Amid the international controversy over Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s upcoming film ‘Battle of Galwan’, the Central Government has clarified its stand. The government has said that India is a democratic country, where there is freedom of artistic and expression. Under this, filmmakers have the right to make films according to their creative thinking. The government also made it clear that it had no role in the production or content of this film.

The film is based on Galwan clash

‘Battle of Galwan’ is based on the violent clash between the Indian Army and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh in 2020. This incident is considered one of the most sensitive and serious military confrontations in the history of India-China relations.

In the film, Salman Khan is playing the role of Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, commanding officer of 16 Bihar Regiment of the Indian Army. Colonel Santosh Babu was martyred while leading the Indian soldiers in this skirmish. The country still remembers his bravery with pride.

India-China contradiction on casualty figures

The central government has officially admitted that 20 Indian soldiers were martyred in the Galwan conflict. At the same time, China had initially denied any kind of loss. Beijing later claimed that only four of its soldiers were killed, which many experts, including India, said was a much lower figure than reality. This contradiction raised many questions at the international level at that time and tension between the two countries remained for a long time.

Chinese media’s objection

China’s official newspaper Global Times has expressed strong objection to this film. An article published in the newspaper claims that the events of June 2020 have been shown in the film as contrary to facts and emotionally exaggerated. Global Times also alleged that Bollywood films are often based on entertainment and emotions and distort historical facts. The article also made the controversial claim that Galwan Valley is located on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and India was responsible for the clash.

India’s clear message

The central government has said that cinematic expression in India is an integral part of democracy. If any country or party has any objection to the content of the film, they can contact the Defense Ministry of India through official channels. The government also reiterated that it is not appropriate to link films made on historical and sensitive events with diplomatic disputes. India will always stand firmly behind the sacrifice of its soldiers and the sovereignty of the country.