BRAMPTON: In a historic move acknowledging a four-decade struggle for justice, multiple Canadian municipalities, including Edmonton and Brampton, officially proclaimed February 4, 2026, as “Saka Nakodar Day.” The proclamations mark the 40th anniversary of the Nakodar massacre, a tragedy that remains a pivotal chapter in modern Sikh history.
The recognition follows a sustained advocacy campaign led by the Sikh Federation (Canada) in partnership with the families of the four victims: Ravinder Singh, Baldhir Singh, Jhilman Singh, and Harminder Singh.
A Legacy of Resilience On February 4, 1986, the four young men were shot and killed by Indian security forces in Nakodar, Punjab, while peacefully protesting the desecration of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Following their deaths, authorities secretly cremated the bodies, denying the families their final rites—a cover-up that families say continues to this day. Despite judicial inquiries, no perpetrators have ever been brought to justice.
For Baldev Singh, the father of victim Ravinder Singh, the Canadian proclamations represent a significant moral victory after 40 years of campaigning.
“I have been coming to terms with it, every single day,” said Baldev Singh. “Our family and that of the other three martyrs have lived with this trauma for 35 years. We lost our sons, it was tragic enough. What followed added insult to injury.”
Advocating for Human Rights Community leaders view the proclamations as more than just symbolic gestures; they are seen as a validation of the Sikh community’s resilience and a call for international accountability.
Prabjot Singh, legal counsel for the Sikh Federation (Canada), emphasized the broader implications of the day. “This proclamation not only commemorates the sacrifices made at Nakodar, but also signals the role of the international community in ensuring justice, remembrance, and the protection of human rights,” he said.
Bhai Moninder Singh, National Spokesperson for the Federation, echoed these sentiments, framing the day as a commitment to future generations. “Saka Nakodar Day is more than a remembrance… The memory of Ravinder Singh, Baldhir Singh Multani, Jhilman Singh, and Harminder Singh continues to inspire our efforts to build a fairer, more compassionate world.”
Ongoing Call for Justice While the proclamations in Alberta and Ontario offer a measure of solace, the families and the Sikh Federation (Canada) continue to press for truth and accountability from Indian authorities. The Federation has expressed gratitude to the families for their “tireless advocacy” and dignity in the face of decades of state denial.
As the Sikh diaspora observes this milestone, the official recognition serves as a permanent testament to the lives lost and the enduring demand that their stories be heard.
