Panjab-based Sikh Organizations Commemorate 1986 'Sarbat Khalsa'

Four Sikh organizations in Panjab—the Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar (Mann), Dal Khalsa, Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara Committee, and Panch Pardhani Jatha—met on 26 Jan to commemorate the 40^th anniversary of the historic 1986 Sarbat Khalsa (Khalsa plenary meet). The conference was held near Gurdwara Santokhsar Sahib in Amritsar, where senior leaders of the four Panthic (Sikh collective) bodies addressed a large gathering. Speakers reflected on the legacy of the 1986 Sarbat Khalsa and discussed its relevance in the present political and global context. The discussions were conducted in a conducive environment with none of the sabre-rattling and sloganeering that has marked such meetings over the last few decades. At the conclusion of the conference, participants held a march to Sri Akal Takht Sahib (Eternal Throne) where a joint declaration was read out by Dal Khalsa acting president Paramjit Singh Mand on behalf of all four organizations which announced two major initiatives: First, the organizations would develop a formal and contemporary institutional framework for convening Sarbat Khalsa and adopting Gurmata (Guru sanctioned resolution). Second, on the 40^th anniversary of the declaration of Khalistan, on 29 April 2026, a new joint policy document would be presented before the Sikh world. The organizations announced that drawing upon the experiences of the past four decades of struggle and keeping in view current Panthic and international conditions, they would coordinate with pro-Khalistan Sikh groups and institutions to prepare a joint strategic policy document outlining the future course of the Khalistan movement. The declaration also reiterated two core pledges: the first pledge reaffirmed commitment to the goal of a sovereign and independent Panjab, presently articulated as Khalistan—envisioned as a state structure based on Sikh political philosophy and Gurmat principles, ensuring justice, dignity, freedom of conscience, and the welfare of all. The second pledge emphasized the transfer of leadership to committed youth. The declaration announced an intention to bring dedicated and ideologically grounded young Sikhs to the forefront of revolutionary Sikh politics with guidance from those who have long contributed to the leadership of the struggle. Notably, the jailed Member of Parliament Amritpal Singh’s political party Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) was missing from the meeting (earlier coverage).