The ongoing discussions surrounding Satluj, the film based on Jaswant Singh Khalra, have once again brought Punjab’s turbulent militancy era into public discourse. The debate presents an opportunity to reflect on this difficult chapter of history with balance, sensitivity and historical accuracy. Jaswant Singh Khalra’s efforts in highlighting alleged illegal cremations and disappearances remain an important part of Punjab’s history. The judicial process established his abduction and murder by Punjab Police personnel, reaffirming the importance of accountability and the rule of law. Human rights violations during the counter-insurgency period have also been acknowledged.
Punjab’s militancy claimed over 20,000 lives, including civilians, police and security personnel, and militants. Thousands of innocent people lost their lives in terrorist violence. Historical records indicate that victims included Sikhs, Hindus and people from other communities. Bus massacres, train attacks and targeted assassinations left deep scars on the state’s social fabric. More than 1,700 police and security personnel laid down their lives while combating terrorism. Many officers were assassinated while off duty, and their families suffered immense personal loss. Their sacrifice and dedication played a significant role in restoring peace and normalcy in Punjab.
The Punjab insurgency was marked by a series of brutal massacres that left a deep scar on the state’s collective memory. Major incidents included the Lalru Bus Massacre, Ludhiana Train Massacre, Sohian Train Massacre, Dhilwan Bus Killings, Khudda (Hoshiarpur) Bus Massacre, Muktsar Bus Massacre, and coordinated village massacres in 1988.
At the same time, certain aspects of the historical record continue to be debated. The exact statewide number of disappearances remains disputed. Khalra’s broader estimate of approximately 25,000 illegal cremations and disappearances has not been conclusively established by any single official statewide inquiry, while different organisations and investigations have documented varying figures and geographic scopes.
Rajwinder Kaur, Educationist, said, “Punjab’s history cannot be reduced to a single narrative. We must honour every innocent victim, acknowledge the sacrifices of our police and security forces, and uphold the values of justice and human rights. Remembering one category of victims should never mean forgetting another. Punjab’s journey from violence to peace deserves to be remembered in its entirety—with truth, compassion and respect for every sacrifice.
