The Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib has announced that a special Ardas (Sikh prayer) will be held on July 14, 2026, at Harike Pattan on the banks of the Satluj River to pray for the eternal peace of innocent Sikh youths who were allegedly killed during Punjab’s militancy era and to seek justice for their families.
Officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj said the gathering will honour the memory of those whose cases were brought to light by Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra. He said that, to date, no collective Ardas has been held for the innocent youths, women, elderly people and children who fell victim to alleged police excesses in Punjab.
Gargajj stated that many grieving mothers and sisters are still unaware of what happened to their sons and brothers. He said it is time for the world to learn what occurred in Punjab and for the affected families to receive justice.
The Jathedar extended an open invitation to victim families, mothers, sisters, brothers, human rights activists, lawyers and all individuals who have worked to defend human rights to participate in the event. He also invited families connected to the cases pursued by Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra, as well as families of victims in cases where courts have convicted police officials in connection with the killings of innocent youths.
The prayer ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m. on July 14 at Harike Pattan, the site where the bodies of several victims were reportedly disposed of in the Satluj River. Prayers will be offered for the peace of the departed souls and for justice for their families.
The event will be organised by Sri Akal Takht Sahib with the support of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). The programme will include the ceremonial procession of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in a Palki Sahib, followed by the recitation of Sukhmani Sahib, Gurbani Kirtan, and Ardas.