Chandigarh: A special seminar titled “Saka Nakodar: A Violation of Human Rights” was organized today at Sri Guru Granth Sahib Bhawan, Sector 28, to honor the memory of the four Sikhs martyred on February 4, 1986. The event, hosted by the Misl Satluj organization, saw significant participation from legal scholars, students, and intellectuals.

Demand for Justice and Accountability

Addressing the gathering, prominent speakers including Justice Ranjit Singh (Chairman, Punjab Human Rights Organization), Advocate Rajwinder Singh Bains, and Advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur emphasized that the 1986 police firing on a peaceful convoy was a gross violation of human rights. They highlighted that despite the passage of four decades, justice remains elusive for the victims’ families.

Bapu Baldev Singh, father of martyr Bhai Ravinder Singh Littran, attended as a special guest. He stressed the collective responsibility of society to keep historical truths alive for future generations.

“The then Punjab government formed the Justice Gurnam Singh Commission to investigate the incident. While one part of the report was tabled in the Punjab Assembly last year, the second part remains missing from government records,” stated Bapu Baldev Singh.

Political Promises and Missing Links

The speakers criticized the current administration, noting that while the government had promised a thorough investigation and strict punishment for the culprits prior to the elections, no concrete action has been taken. It was also noted during the seminar that the Shiromani Akali Dal was in power during both the Saka Nakodar incident and the subsequent Bargari sacrilege cases.

Historical Context

The Saka Nakodar incident occurred on February 4, 1986, when Punjab Police opened fire on unarmed Sikh protesters who had gathered to protest the desecration of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The firing resulted in the martyrdom of:

• Ravinder Singh Littran

• Harminder Singh Chhalupur

• Baldhir Singh Ramgarh

• Jhilman Singh Gorsian

Conclusion and Future Resolve

Concluding the event, Ajaypal Singh Brar, President of Misl Satluj, thanked the speakers and attendees. He reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to continuing the legal and democratic struggle to ensure justice for the martyrs’ families.

The seminar was attended by several youth leaders and activists, including Yadwinder Singh Yadu Alal, Amarinder Singh, and Advocate Harpreet Singh, among others.