Chandigarh, September 10, 2026: Veteran human-rights activist Jaspal S. Dhillon today announced the relaunch of the Human Rights and Democracy Forum (HRDF) as a non-partisan platform to address present-day human-rights
concerns, provide free legal assistance, document alleged rights violations and promote constitutional safeguards and institutional accountability across Punjab. Dhillon will lead the Forum as its Chairman.
Addressing a press conference at the Press Club, Sector 27, along with Gursher Singh, Vice-Chairman; Rajwinder Singh, General Secretary; Karamjit Singh, Organisational Secretary; Dhillon said the decision to revive HRDF was driven by the growing number of young people and families approaching him with complaints of alleged illegal detention, false criminal cases, custodial violence, excessive use of force and denial of due process.
Dhillon said the renewed public discussion around Punjab’s human-rights history, including following the release and subsequent removal of the film Satluj, had also drawn attention to allegations of extrajudicial killings, disappearances and secret cremations during the militancy period.
“People are once again asking questions about what happened during those years, while many young people and families are approaching me today with their own human-rights concerns. This has reinforced my belief that the time has come to restart this work,” Dhillon said.
It is noteworthy that Dhillon began his human-rights work with the Punjab Human Rights Organisation (PHRO) in 1985. In 1992–93, the Human Rights Wing of the Shiromani Akali Dal was established for organised documentation and advocacy, with Dhillon as Chairman and Jaswant Singh Khalra as General Secretary. After the wing was disbanded in 1996, Dhillon continued his work and founded the Human Rights and Democracy Forum(HRDF) in 1997 and kept working on human rights. However, after some time due to pressing personal reasons, Dhillon couldn’t continue active work under HDRF.
Historical Documentation and Police Accountability
Recalling investigations into alleged secret cremations, Dhillon said the documentation undertaken by him and Khalra brought evidence concerning thousands of alleged unidentified cremations into public attention and contributed to subsequent judicial and investigative proceedings.
He said the CBI inquiry ordered by the Supreme Court covered 70 FIRs. According to figures available Dhillon said, 20 cases were closed by the CBI through closure reports for lack of evidence. He said 29 cases resulted in convictions, with around 100 police officers reportedly convicted by the CBI Court. Six cases involving around 40 accused police officers are currently ongoing, he informed.
Focus on Present-Day Human Rights Concerns
Dhillon said HRDF would examine cases involving custodial violence, illegal detention, denial of a fair hearing, cases concerning women and children, medical negligence and other violations of fundamental rights. The Forum will provide free legal aid through a panel of lawyers and assist affected individuals in pursuing appropriate remedies through constitutional, judicial and other lawful mechanisms.
Referring to recent concerns he specifically referred to the case of Mohanjit Singh, including allegations concerning his treatment in police custody and the subsequent circulation of his photographs.
Dhillon claimed that 37 alleged fake encounters had taken place in Punjab during the past one-and-a-half years, saying HRDF would examine such cases through documentation and lawful processes.
“We will confront guilty police officers and seek action against them strictly according to law. Our objective is not to target the police institution, but to ensure accountability wherever wrongdoing is established,” Dhillon said.
Truth Archive and Legal Aid
A key initiative of the relaunched Forum will be a Truth Archive to lawfully preserve and digitise records available through judicial and commission proceedings. The archive will seek to make documented evidence accessible to affected families, researchers and others, subject to applicable legal and privacy requirements.
HRDF will also work on prison reforms and prisoners’ welfare, including medical care in custody, lawful parole and remission, and the welfare and dignity of prisoners’ families.
The Forum plans citizen-awareness programmes in schools and colleges on human rights, constitutional safeguards and legal remedies. It will also make appropriate representations before the State Human Rights Commission, National Human Rights Commission and courts, wherever required.
Dhillon said HRDF would function without discrimination based on religion, caste, gender, political affiliation or social background and would advocate making human rights and civil liberties an important component of political party manifestos.
Expansion Across Punjab and Beyond
The organisation plans to establish units across Punjab within the next two months, followed by chapters across India and volunteer solidarity desks overseas. Dhillon invited lawyers, retired personnel, doctors, teachers, journalists, professionals, students and members of the diaspora to contribute to the initiative.
Dhillon can be contacted on
Email: jaspalsinghdhillon35@gmail.com
Mobile: 9988324348
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