San Jose, CA: The City of San Jose, known as the Capital of Silicon Valley, has officially proclaimed February 4 as Saka Nakodar Day, commemorating the tragic events of the Nakodar Massacre of 1986. The proclamation was presented to Dr. Harinder Singh, the younger brother of one of the four martyrs, Bhai Ravinder Singh, in the presence of notable Sikh leaders and community members.

The proclamation ceremony was attended by Mayor Matt Mahan, members of the San Jose City Council, and several distinguished Sikh leaders, including Jathedar Sukhdev Singh Bainiwal, representatives from Jakara Movement S.Mandip Singh and Ms. Ragini Kaur, Dr. Prabhjot Singh, Adv. Himmant Singh, and other community figures who came together to express solidarity with the martyrs’ families.

In his address, Dr. Harinder Singh expressed deep gratitude on behalf of his father, Bapu Baldev Singh Ji, and the Sikh community. He highlighted the unwavering commitment of San Joses leadership in recognizing this significant chapter in Sikh history and emphasized the importance of justice and remembrance.

Since 2021, under the leadership of then-Mayor Sam Liccardo, and now with Mayor Matt Mahan, San Jose has stood as a beacon of solidarity. Your proclamations have not only honored the four martyrsBhai Ravinder Singh, Bhai Baldhir Singh, Bhai Jhilman Singh, and Bhai Harminder Singhbut have also helped elevate this cause to national and state recognition, said Dr. Singh.

Dr. Singh also acknowledged the national and state-level recognition of Saka Nakodar Day, including:

• House Resolution 908, introduced in the U.S. Congress by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren on February 4, 2022.

• California State Assembly House Resolution 93, passed unanimously in June 2024 under Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains.

• The most recent recognition on February 6, 2025, when Congressman Jimmy Panetta honored the Saka Nakodar martyrs in the U.S. Congress, ensuring their legacy is preserved at the highest levels.

This proclamation is more than just words on paperit is a powerful testament that truth and justice must prevail. The massacre of February 4, 1986, remains an unresolved wound, and the perpetrators continue to evade justice. But as long as we remember and speak their names, this movement will never die, Dr. Singh added.

The Sikh community deeply appreciates the continued efforts of the San Jose City Council in keeping the memory of the martyrs alive and raising global awareness about the need for justice. The proclamation serves as a step forward in acknowledging historical injustices and reinforcing the values of truth, remembrance, and accountability.

Additionally, Sukhdev Singh Bainiwal addressed the gathering and highlighted concerns regarding transnational repression faced by the Sikh community. He also announced plans for a parade from Gurdwara Sahib San Jose to Village Square on July 4 to further advocate for Sikh rights and global awareness.