Punjab News: CM Bhagwant Mann Pays Tribute to Martyrs of Wadda Ghallughara

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann paid heartfelt tributes to the martyrs of Wadda Ghallughara, the great holocaust of Sikh history, remembering the thousands of brave Sikh warriors who laid down their lives fighting against Ahmad Shah Abdali’s forces. 

ਵੱਡਾ ਘੱਲੂਘਾਰਾ ਦੇ ਸਮੂਹ ਸ਼ਹੀਦਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਕੋਟਿ-ਕੋਟਿ ਪ੍ਰਣਾਮ। ਪਿੰਡ ਕੁੱਪ-ਰੋਹੀੜਾ ਦੇ ਮੈਦਾਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਅਹਿਮਦ ਸ਼ਾਹ ਅਬਦਾਲੀ ਦੀਆਂ ਫ਼ੌਜਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਦਰਮਿਆਨ ਭਿਆਨਕ ਲੜਾਈ ਹੋਈ ਸੀ, ਜਿਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਹਜ਼ਾਰਾਂ ਸਿੰਘਾਂ ਨੇ ਬਹਾਦਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਚੜ੍ਹਦੀਕਲਾ ਨਾਲ ਟਾਕਰਾ ਕਰਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਸ਼ਹਾਦਤ ਦਾ ਜਾਮ ਪੀਤਾ। pic.twitter.com/TUgFbpfq37

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) February 9, 2025

Taking to social media, CM Mann tweeted in Punjabi, saying, "Wadda Ghallughara de samuh shaheedan nu koti-koti pranam." He recalled the fierce battle fought at the fields of Kup-Rohira, where Sikh warriors, despite being outnumbered, fought with unmatched valor and resilience before embracing martyrdom.

Remembering the Historic Battle

The Wadda Ghallughara (Great Holocaust) refers to the devastating massacre of Sikhs on February 5, 1762, when Ahmad Shah Abdali, the Afghan invader, launched a brutal attack on the Sikh community. The battle took place at Kup-Rohira (now in Sangrur district, Punjab), where Abdali’s massive army confronted Sikh forces led by leaders like Baba Deep Singh and Jassa Singh Ahluwalia.

The battle resulted in one of the darkest chapters in Sikh history, with estimates suggesting that more than 30,000 Sikhs were mercilessly killed. However, despite the heavy losses, the Sikh spirit remained unbroken, and they continued their resistance, ultimately reclaiming their sovereignty in Punjab in later years.

Punjab Government’s Commitment to Preserving Sikh History

CM Bhagwant Mann’s tribute underscores the Punjab government’s commitment to honoring Sikh history and heritage. He emphasized the importance of remembering sacrifices made by Sikh warriors, who upheld dharam (righteousness), justice, and freedom.

The Wadda Ghallughara Memorial at Kup-Rohira stands as a testament to the bravery of Sikh martyrs. Every year, Sikhs across the world commemorate this day, paying homage to those who sacrificed their lives for their faith and community.

By remembering this battle, CM Mann aims to inspire future generations to uphold the values of courage, sacrifice, and resilience—the defining principles of Sikh history.