Jaswant Singh Khalra was a Human Rights activist from Punjab. His story is a brave and reckless pursuit of justice tale that still resonates deeply with those who seek to understand the human cost of systematic violence. The Punjab insurgency period of the 1980s and 1990s marked the darkest chapters.
The insurgency era in Punjab unfolded as a storm of grief and despair, where hope often flickered like a distant star. Once a symbol of prosperity, the fertile fields became a silent witness to the unrelenting cries of loss and fear. Bombs shattered the stillness of government offices, and gunfire pierced the fabric of communities. The streets, laden with history and culture, turned into battlegrounds where innocence was claimed as collateral damage.
Operation Blue Star, described by K.P.S Gill as a fire that stocked the embers of militancy, left the state in a deeper abyss of turmoil. It was an era where grief hung heavy in the air, and trust between neighbors eroded under the weight of suspicion and strife.
In the hope of peace, the state wielded measures as sharp as swords, their edges cutting into the hearts of its people. For many, these actions symbolized a reclamation of Punjab from the grip of chaos, yet for others, they left scars too deep to heal. Disappearances were not just names erased from registration but were lives uprooted, dreams extinguished, and families left in haunting silence.
Contributions made by Jaswant Singh Khalra
Jaswant Singh Khalra was an unparalleled zealot for justice, dedicating himself to meticulous research in his relentless pursuit of truth. During his research, he discovered the municipal cremation records- where people tagged as “unidentified" were disposed of en masse, often labeled as militants.
Khalra's work revealed an undeniable pattern, these men were not only denied justice but also robbed of their identities in death. The magnitude of his findings estimated, 25,000 unlawful killings, that shook the foundations of those who wielded power.
Despite facing resistance and mounting threats Kalra’s resolve remained unshaken. He was not just an activist, he was a son of Punjab committed to giving grieving families the truth they deserved. His evidence to the courts spoke at international forums and fell asleep against a system designed to crush dissent.
But his courage came at a price. In 1995 Khalra himself became a victim of injustice he fought against. In broad daylight, he was abducted from his Amritsar home and was never seen again.
In short, this was sure that he could not survive the police torture and the most traumatizing part was, that his body was never recovered.
Disappearance sent shockwaves through communities leaving his family and supporters grappling with the profound void that he left behind.
His work inspired others to continue his fight for justice and highlighted the importance of holding those in power accountable. Today he stands as a symbol of resilience, a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming one voice can expose the trust and ignite change.
Lives on not just the record but in the hearts of those who continue to speak for the voiceless. Khalra’s life was a testament to the enduring power of hope, courage, and the unwavering belief in justice. His story must never be forgotten.
What were the human rights issues of Punjab?
To understand the issue of the Insurgency period it is necessary to understand the time and complexities, Punjab was suffering through.
Major Human rights violations
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Extrajudicial killings: Unity forces frequently carried out stage encounters falsely labeling victims as armed militants. In 1990 alone there were reports of 346 civilians killed in encounters.
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That’s appearance and arbitrary arrests: So detained without charges and many were returned home these enforced disappearances became a grim hallmark of families seeking answers were often threatened or told that their family person had “escaped custody”.
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Cremations and evidence erasure: Investigations revealed the mass crimination of unidentified bodies in municipal crematoriums often without proper records. The practice aims to dispose of pieces of evidence of custodial killings and deny families the opportunity to claim their loved ones.
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Conduct and impersonation: Personal sometimes posed as militants to extort money to carry out illegal operations. Such actions blurred the testing between law in force and criminal activity further exaggerating the crisis of trust.
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Institutional impunity: Police encouraged security forces to target individuals with financial incentives fostering a culture of unchecked power. Finding evidence of violation accountability was almost non-existent. It’s for investigations into fake encounters and custodial deaths were largely ignored.
The period underscores the complexity of state responses to insurgency and highlights the human cost of conflict emphasizing the need for balanced narratives that honor all innocent lives lost regardless of the side they were on.
Diljit’s Punjab ‘95,
Diljit Dosanjh has recently shared a glimpse of his movie Punjab ‘95 which is claimed to be the biopic of Jaswant Singh Khlara. His post on Instagram reflects the character and the movie’s compelling narrative. The series of photographs posted showcase his portrayal of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khlara. Diljit has also mentioned that the teaser of the movie would be released on January 17. As per the report, the censor board has imposed certain restrictions on some scenes of the movie.
The name of the movie, Punjab ‘95, emphasizes the year 1995, the year in which Jaswant Singh Kharla was abducted from his place after he uncovered evidence of mass human rights violations in Punjab.
What has Jaswant Singh Khalra's wife said about the movie?
Paramjit Kaur Khalra, the wife of Jaswant Singh Khlara is positive about the cinematic exploration of the life of her demised husband. She is thankful to Diljit and his entire team of Punjab ‘95 for making efforts to bring truth to the people with this movie. Although has criticized the censor board's demand for cuts, emphasizing that the biopic was made with the family's consent and should be released without alterations.
It is commendable for its attempt to narrate a story that has long been overshadowed in mainstream narratives. Focusing on Khalra’s investigation into the unlawful killings and secret cremations of thousands of young men Punjab'95 promises to shed light on the dark chapter of history.
The decision to bring this sensitive issue on the screen demonstrates their commitment to preserving and sharing historical lessons. Is a great hope that Punjab 95 will do justice to its subject portraying the gravity of the events with authenticity and respect. If executed well the movie has the potential to resonate deeply with the audience meaningful conversations and ensuring that such stories are never forgotten.