Jaswant Singh Khalra fasted for Hindu victims of militancy too, claims Rajiv Singh Randhawa
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), July 14, 2026: Rajiv Singh Randhawa, a key eyewitness to the abduction of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, on Tuesday said Khalra fought for the rights of all victims of violence, irrespective of their religion, and even undertook hunger strikes in support of Hindu victims killed during Punjab’s militancy.
Addressing a tribute programme organised in memory of Khalra and those described by the organisers as the 25,000 unidentified victims, Randhawa said Khalra remained committed to the protection of human rights throughout his life without making any distinction between Sikhs and Hindus.
He claimed that when Hindus were killed by militants in 1988, Khalra observed hunger strikes in support of the victims and their families, reflecting his commitment to justice and humanity.
Randhawa also defended Khalra against allegations that had been levelled against him during his lifetime, including claims that he was a Pakistani agent or that the figures related to unidentified cremations were exaggerated.
Speaking about Khalra’s family background, Randhawa said the activist belonged to a family with a long history of participation in India’s freedom movement. He claimed that Khalra’s ancestor, Bhai Soora Singh, was martyred while fighting Ahmad Shah Abdali in 1761.
He further said Khalra’s grandfather, Baba Harnam Singh Khalra, was associated with the Ghadar Party and remained under detention for 10 years following the Komagata Maru episode, while another family member, Master Kartar Singh, was imprisoned for four years during the Quit India Movement of 1942.
Randhawa also highlighted the contribution of Sikhs to India’s freedom struggle, asserting that the community had made significant sacrifices for the country’s independence.
The remarks were made during a commemorative event attended by members of the Sikh community, human rights activists and families of those who went missing during Punjab’s militancy period.