Special ardas at Harike Pattan for Jaswant Khalra and missing Sikhs, Hindus; Akal Takht orders martyrs' memorial | Watch
PTC Web Desk: A special Ardas (Sikh prayer ceremony) was held at Harike Pattan on Tuesday under the guidance of Sri Akal Takht Sahib in memory of noted human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, missing Sikh and Hindu youths and unidentified victims of Punjab's militancy-era events.
During the programme, the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, made two major announcements: calling for Harike Pattan to be renamed 'Shaheedi Pattan' (Martyrs' Pattan) and directing the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to establish a memorial for the martyrs and document their records.
The Ardas was led by Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj in the presence of a large congregation. Families of individuals who went missing during Punjab's militancy period, members of Sikh organisations and devotees from across the state attended the ceremony to pay tribute to the departed and seek justice for those whose fate remains unknown.
During the gathering, prayers were offered for the souls of Jaswant Singh Khalra, missing Sikh and Hindu men, women and children and unidentified victims. Participants also renewed their demand for truth, justice and accountability in cases of disappearances and alleged human rights violations during the militancy period in Punjab.
Addressing the congregation, the Akal Takht Jathedar directed the SGPC to construct a martyrs' memorial at Harike Pattan to honour those remembered during the ceremony. He also instructed the apex Sikh body to prepare a comprehensive document compiling the names, details and historical records of the martyrs so that their legacy is preserved for future generations.
In another significant announcement, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj proposed that Harike Pattan be renamed 'Shaheedi Pattan', saying the site should permanently commemorate the sacrifices remembered by the Sikh community.
Organisers described the event as a collective prayer for peace for the departed souls while expressing solidarity with families who continue to seek answers about the fate of their loved ones. The ceremony concluded with the Ardas and a renewed call for remembrance, justice, accountability and the protection of human rights.
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Harike Pattan ardas in memory of Jaswant Singh Khalra and missing youths
- PTC NEWS
