SGPC's Kiranjot Kaur calls for Truth and Reconciliation Commission to probe Punjab's 1978–1995 Period
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar ([Punjab), July 26, 2026: Senior Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member Bibi Kiranjot Kaur has called for the constitution of a ‘Truth and Reconciliation Commission’ to examine the events and alleged injustices that took place in Punjab between 1978 and 1995, saying that the time has come to move beyond expressions of grief towards a structured process of truth and reconciliation.
Speaking in Amritsar, Kiranjot Kaur said a recently released Sutlej film had once again brought the history of alleged state oppression in Punjab before the younger generation. She said there was now a need to formulate a concrete roadmap rather than limiting efforts to remembrance and prayers.
Referring to the period since the 1980s, she said many people who had witnessed or experienced injustice had not seen any political party present a comprehensive plan to address their concerns. According to her, discussions had largely remained confined to issues of killings, alleged loot, discrimination and alienation, while there was now a need for policies aimed at achieving justice and reconciliation.
Kiranjot Kaur proposed the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to conduct an impartial inquiry into the incidents, alleged conspiracies and hardships faced by Punjabi society during the period from 1978 to 1995. She said such a commission should provide an opportunity for all affected sections of society to present their experiences.
She also stated that if members of the Hindu community believed they too had suffered during that period, they should have the opportunity to present their perspectives so that the truth could emerge and attempts to create divisions between Hindus and Sikhs could be addressed.
Kiranjot Kaur said that “the soul of Punjab cannot be suppressed” and described the state as a land with the capacity to forgive. However, she maintained that genuine reconciliation could only be achieved after the truth about the past is brought to light through an impartial process.