Chandigarh, July 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Five Panthic organisations on Tuesday jointly submitted memoranda to the Union Home Minister through Deputy Commissioners across Punjab, seeking the constitution of a Punjab Truth and Accountability Commission to conduct an impartial inquiry into the events that took place in the state between 1980 and 1995.
The demand was announced by Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) Secretary General Gurpartap Singh Wadala, who said the proposed commission should establish an accurate and impartial record of the deaths and other incidents that occurred during the period.
Memoranda Submitted Across Punjab
According to Wadala, memoranda addressed to the Union Home Minister were submitted simultaneously through Deputy Commissioners in all districts of Punjab by representatives and workers of the participating organisations.
The joint initiative was undertaken by:
- Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit)
- International Panthak Akali Dal
- United Akali Dal
- Begampura Khalsa Raj Party
- Panthak Azad Group
The organisations said a transparent inquiry was necessary to establish accountability and present an authentic account of the events that unfolded during the militancy period.
‘Satluj’ Film Should Not Be Given Communal Colour: Wadala
Referring to the ongoing debate surrounding the film Satluj (formerly Punjab 95), Wadala alleged that some individuals were attempting to portray the issue as a Hindu-Sikh conflict for political purposes.
He maintained that Punjab’s history demonstrates communal harmony, noting that despite the widespread anti-Sikh violence following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in November 1984, Punjab did not witness communal riots between Hindus and Sikhs.
According to Wadala, the film is based on the life and work of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and focuses on alleged enforced disappearances during the militancy period. He claimed the narrative also includes cases involving Hindu youths from Tarn Taran and does not contain material intended to incite hatred against any community or the nation.
Key Demands in Memorandum
The organisations urged the Union Government to constitute a Punjab Truth and Accountability Commission to independently investigate the events between 1980 and 1995 and determine the actual number of people who lost their lives during the period.
The memorandum also sought:
- Release of the film Punjab 95 in cinema halls without any censor cuts.
- Arrest and re-incarceration of convicted former police personnel in the Jaswant Singh Khalra murder case who, according to the organisations, have remained absconding after being released from jail.
Call for Accountability
Wadala said the objective of the proposed commission should be to establish the truth through an independent process rather than allowing the issue to remain a matter of political debate.
He said thousands of workers and leaders of the participating organisations took part in the statewide memorandum campaign.
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