Chandigarh, July 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Paramjit Kaur Khalra, widow of noted human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, has appealed to the Sikh community, the people of Punjab and supporters of human rights across the world to unite in the pursuit of truth, justice and accountability ahead of the Ardas ceremony scheduled at Harike Pattan on July 14.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), she urged people to participate in the congregation convened at the call of the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib at Harike Pattan, a site associated with the recovery of unidentified bodies during Punjab’s militancy era.
Appeal for Collective Pursuit of Justice
Paramjit Kaur Khalra said the gathering should become a united effort to uncover the truth behind alleged enforced disappearances, unidentified cremations, custodial torture and alleged fake police encounters during the 1980s and 1990s.
She said the victims of the June 1984 military operation at Sri Darbar Sahib, the November 1984 anti-Sikh violence and subsequent years of alleged human rights violations continue to await justice and accountability.
Criticism of Successive Governments
Paramjit Kaur Khalra alleged that successive governments, irrespective of political affiliation, had failed to ensure justice for victims and their families.
She accused the Congress government during whose tenure many of the alleged violations occurred of failing to deliver accountability, while alleging that subsequent governments also did not pursue justice effectively.
She further alleged that governments led by the Shiromani Akali Dal extended official support and prominent positions to several police officers accused in human rights cases, while victims’ families were left to face prolonged legal and financial hardships.
The statement also criticized the present government in Punjab alleging that it failed to ensure justice in the matter.Â
In addition, she referred to allegations made internationally regarding targeted killings abroad and stated that accountability should apply universally, regardless of the party in power.
Three Key Demands Before Akal Takht
Addressing the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Paramjit Kaur Khalra urged the Sikh temporal authority to provide fearless and impartial leadership in accordance with Sikh principles.
She placed three specific demands before the Akal Takht:
- Constitute an independent People’s Commission to establish the actual number of persons who allegedly disappeared, were cremated as unidentified bodies or were killed in alleged fake police encounters during the militancy period in Punjab.
- Recognise the unidentified victims whose identities, she said, were brought to light through the work and sacrifice of Jaswant Singh Khalra by granting them an appropriate place in the Central Sikh Museum.
- Extend financial assistance to affected families through the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
Call for Accountability Beyond Politics
Paramjit Kaur Khalra asserted that no political party or individual should be considered above accountability or the rule of law.
She said those responsible for killings, denial of justice, concealment of facts relating to what she described as the Sikh genocide, or support for human rights violations should be held accountable before the people.
She further called for withdrawal of state honours conferred upon such individuals and urged society to reject attempts to politicise the issue for electoral gain.
Concluding her appeal, she said seeking accountability from the entire system, rather than using the memories of victims for political purposes, would be the most meaningful tribute to the unidentified victims and to Jaswant Singh Khalra.
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