Victoria, BC : The Province of British Columbia has officially proclaimed September 6, 2025, as “Jaswant Singh Khalra Day” to honour the memory and legacy of the internationally respected human rights defender and Sikh leader.
The proclamation, issued under the authority of King Charles III and signed by Lieutenant Governor Wendy Coochie, acknowledges the invaluable role of Sikhs in the cultural, social, and economic fabric of British Columbia since the late 19th century. It highlights the community’s resilience in facing hardships while contributing significantly to the province’s growth and success.
Who was Jaswant Singh Khalra?
Jaswant Singh Khalra was a prominent Sikh human rights activist who courageously uncovered the enforced disappearances and secret cremations of thousands of Sikhs in Punjab during the 1980s and 1990s. His meticulous research proved how police and security forces had systematically disposed of bodies without identification or consent of families.
Jaswant Singh Khalra’s findings went beyond isolated abuses: his work exposed systematic, organized, and widespread human rights violations by Indian security forces that amounted to crimes against humanity, specifically targeting the civilian Sikh population of Punjab. By documenting these atrocities, Khalra not only sought justice for victims and their families but also brought international attention to state repression in Punjab.
Why September 6?
September 6 marks the day in 1995 when Jaswant Singh Khalra was abducted outside his home in Amritsar by Punjab police. Despite international outrage, he was illegally detained, tortured, and later killed in custody. His abduction and death symbolized the grave risks faced by those who challenged impunity and defended human rights in Punjab.
A Day of Remembrance and Inspiration
The proclamation by the Province of British Columbia ensures that September 6 will be remembered annually as Jaswant Singh Khalra Day, honouring his sacrifice and reaffirming the province’s commitment to human rights, justice, and diversity. It also recognizes the Sikh community’s enduring contributions to British Columbia while paying tribute to Khalra’s enduring global legacy.
