Harike Pattan (Punjab), July 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, on Tuesday announced that Harike Pattan will henceforth be known as “Shaheedi Pattan” and directed the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to construct a memorial in memory of those who were allegedly killed during the Punjab insurgency and whose bodies, according to Sikh organisations, were disposed of in the Harike canal without being handed over to their families.
The announcement was made during a special Ardas Samagam held on the banks of the canal at Harike Pattan, where Sikh religious leaders and members of the community gathered to pay tribute to victims of alleged enforced disappearances and fake encounters during the militancy period in Punjab.
Memorial and Documentation Ordered
Addressing the gathering after performing the Ardas, Giani Gargajj directed the SGPC to begin documenting the names and details of persons who were allegedly killed unlawfully and cremated or disposed of as unidentified bodies during the period of militancy.
He asked the SGPC to contact the affected families and prepare a comprehensive record of such cases as part of a permanent historical documentation exercise.
The Jathedar also instructed the SGPC to establish a memorial at Harike Pattan to honour those whose bodies were allegedly thrown into the canal and never returned to their families.
Tribute to Jaswant Singh Khalra
The programme began with the recitation of Sri Sukhmani Sahib, followed by the Ardas led by Giani Gargajj.
During his address, he paid tribute to noted human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, referring to him as a “Qaumi Shaheed” (National Martyr) and “Lawaris Laashan Da Waris” (Guardian of the Unclaimed Bodies) in recognition of his efforts to document alleged enforced disappearances and unidentified cremations during the insurgency period.
He also called upon the Sikh community to preserve the memory of innocent youths who lost their lives during that period and acknowledged the contribution of Paramjit Kaur Khalra, wife of Jaswant Singh Khalra, noting that she could not attend the ceremony as she is currently abroad.
Only One Speaker Addressed Gathering
Besides the Jathedar, Ranjit Singh Randhawa, a close associate of Jaswant Singh Khalra, was the only person permitted to address the congregation.
Randhawa recalled Khalra’s work and referred to his own association with the human rights activist, including witnessing the circumstances surrounding Khalra’s abduction and subsequently supporting his family and campaign for justice.
SGPC Assures Compliance
Speaking to reporters after the event, SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami said the committee would fully implement the directions issued by the Akal Takht.
Dhami said a gurdwara belonging to the Nanaksar sect exists at the proposed memorial site. He added that the SGPC would approach the Nanaksar management to request the donation or sale of a portion of the land required for constructing the proposed memorial.
The ceremony was attended by several Panthic leaders and SGPC representatives.
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