Breaking: Harike Pattan to be known as ‘Shaheedi Pattan’, Akal Takht Jathedar announces memorial for victims; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Tarn Taran (Punjab), July 14, 2026: Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, 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 at the site in memory of those who allegedly disappeared during Punjab's militancy period.
The announcement was made during a special Ardas held at Harike Pattan for the spiritual peace of those who, according to the organisers, were victims of alleged custodial killings and enforced disappearances during the 1990s. The gathering was attended by families of the missing, Sikh leaders, human rights activists and members of the Sikh community.
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Addressing the congregation, Giani Gargaj said the place where "innocent sons of Punjab were consigned to the rivers" would now be remembered as Shaheedi Pattan. He instructed SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami to establish a memorial at the site with the support of the Sikh community, stating that "no martyr of the Panth is ever abandoned."
The Jathedar also announced that Sri Akal Takht Sahib, in coordination with the SGPC, would prepare a historical record documenting those who were allegedly killed, cremated as unidentified persons, or whose bodies were allegedly disposed of in rivers between 1982 and 1993-94.
Paying tribute to human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, Giani Gargaj said Khalra had exposed the issue of unidentified cremations in Punjab and later became a victim himself. He described Khalra's work as a landmark contribution to the pursuit of justice and remembrance.
During his address, the Jathedar alleged that serious human rights violations took place during Punjab's militancy years and said the issue should be viewed as one of human rights rather than religion. He also claimed that among those who allegedly disappeared was Gulshan Kumar, a Hindu youth from Tarn Taran, saying the tragedy had affected people across communities.
The Jathedar also questioned the continued incarceration of Sikh prisoners, commonly referred to as Bandi Singhs by Sikh organisations, while alleging that some former police officials accused in human rights cases had received preferential treatment. He urged the Sikh community, particularly the youth, to remain guided by the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib and Guru Panth, while exercising wisdom and restraint.
Among those present at the event were Rajiv Singh Randhawa, a key witness in the Khalra Mission, Paramjit Kaur Khalra and several families of those who went missing during the period. The gathering concluded with prayers for the departed and a renewed call for truth, justice and remembrance.