Special Ardas Begins at Harike Pattan in Memory of Sikh Martyrs and for Justice to Victims' Families

A special Ardas (prayer ceremony) for the spiritual peace of Sikh martyrs and for justice to affected families commenced on the banks of the Harike Headworks at Harike Pattan in Tarn Taran following a call by Sri Akal Takht Sahib. The religious gathering has brought together families from across Punjab who have been affected by the violence and disappearances of the 1980s and 1990s. The ceremony began with an Ardas led by Singh Sahib, followed by the taking of the Hukamnama and the commencement of the recitation of Sri Sukhmani Sahib. Families whose children or relatives went missing during the 1980s and 1990s arrived at the venue carrying photographs of their loved ones. The gathering witnessed an emotional atmosphere as participants expressed hope for justice for those who disappeared during that period. Event Held Amid 'Satluj' Film Controversy The prayer gathering was called by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj at a time when the recently released film "Satluj" (previously titled "Punjab 95") has become the subject of public debate. The film is based on the life of noted human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who exposed cases related to alleged fake police encounters and unidentified bodies in Punjab during the 1990s. Jaswant Singh Khalra was abducted and killed in September 1995. According to the Jathedar, no collective Ardas had previously been held for the innocent men, women, and children who, he said, were victims of government and police excesses during that period. He stated that the ceremony on the banks of the Satluj River was being organized to remember them through a historic religious gathering. Meanwhile, Khalra's wife, Paramjit Kaur Khalra, has appealed to the Akal Takht to establish a People's Commission to determine the actual number of people who went missing during that period. The prayer ceremony comes amid the continuing discussion surrounding the film Satluj and the events associated with Punjab's turbulent years, while affected families continue to seek recognition and justice for their missing relatives.