[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 25 (Thursday, February 6, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING SAKA NAKODAR DAY
(Mr. PANETTA asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize February 4 as Saka
Nakodar Day. On that day in 1986, in the Punjab region of India, four
unarmed Sikh students were shot and killed while peacefully protesting
the desecration of the sacred scripture of the Sikhs.
The killing was abhorrent, but the investigation was deplorable. The
victims' bodies were disposed of in secret. No perpetrator was ever
brought to justice, and reports, commissions, and other inquiries on
the massacre received absolutely no action.
February 4 remains a dark day for the Sikhs in Punjab, but also for
Sikhs here in America. For 39 years, they have fought for truth,
justice, and accountability. As United States Representatives, it is
our responsibility to fight for our values at home and abroad and call
out these tragedies for our partners around the globe.
That is why I recognize Saka Nakodar Day and that justice is still
waiting to be served for Ravinder Singh, Baldhir Singh, Jhilman Singh,
and Harminder Singh.
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