Khushoo Verma, Jadetimes Staff
Khushboo Verma is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia News
Jaswant Singh Khalra’s 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.
Jaswant Singh Khalra, a beacon of hope emerges
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. 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.
The Human Rights issue of Punjab
The Punjab insurgency of the 1980s and 1990s remains a significant chapter in discussions about human rights violations globally. The period was marked by a turbulent conflict between the separatist faction and state security forces resulting in widespread violence that disturbed the lives of countless civilians.
Amidst this chaos, innocent lives were tragically caught in the crossfire a fact that continues to demand recognition in scholarly debates.
Education in Punjab was dying, media freedoms curtailed and civilians trapped with fanatical ideologies imposed by opposing forces. The state administration, grappling with the urgent need to restore order, implemented stringent measures that were reflective of the intensity of the era.
These steps while controversial, were deemed necessary to quell the escalating unrest. However, they also led Serious human rights concerns under the guise of maintaining law and order.
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.
Major human rights violations
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
All these points have been collected from the detailed and outstanding works done by several people. One among them is Madam Nitya Ramakrishnan, senior high court and Supreme Court lawyer. Her meticulous work with her team on the Punjab Human Rights is documented in the book, ‘In Custody: Law, Impunity and Prisoner Abuse in South Asia”.
The activist Jaswant Singh Khalra is well honored by multiple authors, for his unparalleled deeds for Punjab.
Relevance of remembering heroes like Khalra
This serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of accountability justice and the value of every human life. Heroes like Khalra remind us of the immense courage that seeks to fight against oppression especially when the odds are overwhelmingly stacked against truth.
Decades after the turbulent insurgency era in Punjab, the focus must shift towards fostering lasting peace and unity in the state. While the separatist movement left deep scars, costing countless innocent lives, it is essential to recognize the complexity of the times. The state's actions, though often criticized, were shaped by the need to curb the rampant violence inflicted by both militants and rogue elements within law enforcement.
Human rights violations were not confined to one side; civilians and law enforcement personnel targeted by militants were victims too. Unfortunately, global narratives often selectively highlight instances that suit an agenda aimed at tarnishing India's reputation while ignoring the broader context and duality of the tragedy.
Let us ensure that the divisive agenda of separatism does not overshadow the sacrifices of all innocents. Today, as we strive for a harmonious and united Punjab, it is vital to adopt a progressive, inclusive perspective that honors the past while building a future rooted in understanding, resilience, and shared humanity. Only by bridging divides can we truly honor those lost and create a legacy of peace for generations to come.
