- Record: Extensions of Remarks
- Section type: Recognition
- Chamber: House
- Date: March 24, 2026
- Congress: 119th Congress
- Why this source matters: Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
HON. JOSH HARDER
of california
in the house of representatives
Mr. HARDER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to solemnly commemorate the 40th anniversary of Saka Nakodar and to stand in remembrance with the Sikh community at the Stockton Gurdwara Sahib.
Baldhir Singh, Jhilman Singh, and Harminder Singh—were shot and killed by Indian security forces in Nakodar, Punjab. They were peacefully protesting the desecration of the sacred Sikh scripture, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, when their lives were tragically taken. “Saka,” the Punjabi word for massacre, has since come to define that painful day in Nakodar and the injustice that followed.
manner in which they died, but for the principles they stood for: faith, dignity, and the fundamental right to peacefully assemble and express their grievances. Their loss reverberated throughout the Sikh diaspora and remains a deeply felt wound for families who continue to seek truth, accountability, and justice.
communities in the United States, the remembrance of Saka Nakodar carries profound meaning. The Stockton Gurdwara Sahib has long served as a spiritual anchor and a gathering place for reflection, resilience, and community solidarity. For generations, it has been a space where faith and civic engagement walk hand in hand, and where the values of seva, justice, and equality are upheld.
protecting the civil and human rights of all people. The tragedy of Saka Nakodar stands as a reminder that peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy and that freedom of religion and expression must always be defended. We also honor the strength of the Sikh community, whose perseverance in the face of hardship reflects a legacy of courage and unity.
Jhilman Singh, and Harminder Singh. We honor their memory, we acknowledge the pain carried for four decades, and we renew the call for truth and accountability.
anniversary of Saka Nakodar and to ensure that the sacrifices of these young men are never forgotten.