Ravneet Singh Bittu Thanks Akal Takht Jathedar for Ardas Honouring All Victims of Punjab Terrorism Era

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Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu on Monday welcomed the decision of the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to include every victim of Punjab’s violent terrorism era in the Ardas, describing the prayer as an important gesture of justice, compassion and reconciliation. He said the decision reflected the true spirit of Sikhism by honouring every innocent life lost during one of the most painful chapters in the state’s modern history, regardless of identity or profession.

Speaking in Chandigarh, Bittu expressed gratitude that the Ardas remembered not only one section of society but every innocent victim who suffered during the years of militancy. According to him, the prayer acknowledged civilians, bus passengers, police personnel, public servants and countless others who lost their lives during the prolonged period of violence that deeply scarred Punjab.

“I had appealed that the Ardas should remember not just one section, but every innocent victim of that painful period. I am satisfied that prayers were offered for the eternal peace of all departed souls without discrimination,” Bittu said while appreciating the decision.

His remarks came at a time when discussions surrounding Punjab’s turbulent past continue to evoke strong emotions across communities. For many families, the memories of terrorism remain deeply personal, with thousands still carrying the emotional and social consequences of a conflict that claimed countless innocent lives and left an enduring impact on the state’s social fabric.

Bittu said every innocent life lost during those years deserves equal dignity and remembrance. He stressed that acknowledging the suffering of all victims is not merely an act of sympathy but an essential step toward healing old wounds and strengthening social harmony. According to him, justice and reconciliation become meaningful only when society recognizes every family’s pain without drawing distinctions based on affiliation or background.

He noted that Punjab witnessed one of the darkest phases in its history during the years of terrorism, when ordinary citizens found themselves trapped in an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Families lost loved ones, communities experienced deep divisions and public institutions faced extraordinary challenges while trying to restore normalcy. Even decades later, many survivors continue to carry memories of that period, making efforts toward collective remembrance particularly significant.

The Union Minister also linked the Ardas with the broader values of Sikh philosophy. He said Sikhism has always stood for peace, courage, justice and selfless service to humanity rather than hatred or violence. In his view, remembering every victim together reflects the Sikh principle of Sarbat da Bhala—the welfare of all—and reinforces the community’s commitment to humanity above divisions.

Bittu described the collective prayer as a message that extends beyond religious tradition. He said it symbolises compassion, reconciliation and shared remembrance while encouraging society to move away from narratives that separate victims into different categories. By offering prayers for everyone who lost their lives, he argued, the Ardas sends a powerful signal that every innocent death carries equal value and deserves equal respect.

Observers have often noted that Punjab’s terrorism era remains one of the most sensitive periods in the state’s history. The violence claimed the lives of civilians, security personnel, government employees and many others caught in the conflict. While political debates over that period continue, there has also been a growing emphasis on acknowledging the suffering experienced across all sections of society as part of broader efforts to promote reconciliation and preserve historical memory.

Bittu said today’s development carries significance because it encourages people to look beyond past divisions and focus on shared humanity. He maintained that remembering every victim together strengthens the moral foundation needed for lasting peace. According to him, healing cannot emerge through selective remembrance but through an inclusive approach that respects every innocent life lost during the conflict.

He further expressed hope that future generations would never have to witness such a tragic chapter again. Stressing the importance of preserving peace, he said Punjab’s future should be built on unity, communal harmony, mutual respect and steady progress rather than conflict and division.

The Minister concluded by saying that the Ardas offered for all victims serves as a reminder that the lessons of history should unite society instead of deepening old wounds. He said collective remembrance rooted in justice, compassion and equality can help strengthen Punjab’s social fabric while inspiring future generations to uphold peace and the enduring Sikh ideals of humanity, courage and Sarbat da Bhala.