Four Sikh Bodies reaffirm commitment to Khalistan at 40th anniversary of 1986 Sarbat Khalsa
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), January 28, 2026: In a significant Panthic development, four Sikh organisations in Punjab—the Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara Committee, Dal Khalsa, Panch Pardhani Jatha, and Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar (Mann)—jointly commemorated the 40th anniversary of the historic Sarbat Khalsa of 1986, reiterating that “Khalistan is our lifeline.”
Hundreds of Sikh activists gathered at Akal Takht Sahib, where the organisations reaffirmed their commitment to the goal of Khalistan and resolved to pursue their objectives through democratic means.
The gathering pledged to safeguard the rights and interests of Punjab and its people.
The joint conference was held near Gurdwara Santokhsar Sahib in Amritsar, where senior leaders addressed a large audience, reflecting on the legacy of the 1986 Sarbat Khalsa and examining its relevance in the contemporary political and global context.
Former Member of Parliament and president of Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar (Mann), S. Simranjit Singh Mann, focused on Punjab’s economic challenges. He stated that the state’s prosperity has been adversely affected due to the closure of traditional trade routes to Central Asia via the western borders.
According to him, farmers and traders are facing economic losses as such decisions are taken without the participation or consent of the Sikh community.
Mann asserted that the current political framework does not reflect the assurances given to Sikhs at the time of Partition in 1947. bBhai Daljit Singh, Panth Sewak of the Panch Pardhani Jatha, paid tributes to Sikh martyrs and contributors to the Sikh struggle.
He described the Khalsa as a sovereign entity and outlined Khalistan as a Sikh concept of state rooted in Gurmat principles such as Halemi Raj (justice with humility), Beghampura (an egalitarian society), and Sarbat Da Bhala (welfare of all).
Dal Khalsa spokesperson S. Kanwarpal Singh termed the 1986 Sarbat Khalsa a defining moment in contemporary Sikh history, stating that the joint commemoration marked the beginning of coordinated collective initiatives for the future.
Prof. Baljinder Singh, spokesperson of the Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara Committee, alleged that policies of assimilation were being used to dilute Sikh identity.
Following the conference, participants marched to Sri Akal Takht Sahib, where a joint declaration was read by Paramjit Singh Mand, acting president of Dal Khalsa, on behalf of all four organisations.
He was joined by representatives from the Panch Pardhani Jatha, Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar (Mann), and the Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara Committee.
The declaration announced two key initiatives. First, the organisations resolved to develop a contemporary and formal institutional framework for convening Sarbat Khalsa and adopting Gurmata, with consultations planned with Panthic groups worldwide.
A draft procedural code is to be presented before the Khalsa Panth at Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
Second, it was announced that on April 29, 2026, marking the 40th anniversary of the Khalistan Declaration, a new joint policy document would be presented to the Sikh community globally.
The organisations resolved to observe April 29 annually as a day of remembrance, stating that the aim is to convey their political aspirations to the people of Punjab and the international community.
The declaration reiterated two core commitments: the pursuit of a sovereign and independent Punjab, articulated as Khalistan and envisioned on Gurmat principles, and the promotion of committed youth to the forefront of Sikh political leadership.
The programme concluded with Ardas performed before Sri Akal Takht Sahib by Bhai Mandhir Singh, seeking guidance and strength to fulfil the initiatives and commitments outlined in the joint declaration.