Shaheed Bhai Gurjant Singh Budhsinghwala, son of Sardar Nashatar Singh & Mata Surjeet Kaur, was born in village Budhsinghwala, District Faridkot in 1964. Bhai Sahib's family had a common farmers living. Sikhi was flourishing in the family for generations. Gurjant Singh had three brothers and a sister, he was the third-eldest out of the sons. He only studied to the 5th grade and he had to leave his studies, as his family needed him to work, as they were not that well off. Bhai Budhsinghwala was religious from a young age and met Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindrawale on numerous occasions. He started helping around the house and started farming along with his brothers on the family farm. He never tired doing work and never lost faith whilst the family went through hardships, and remained always in Chardi Kala.
The governments carnage reached the Moga area and the Bibi Kahn Kaur Gurdwara was surrounded by armed police, indiscriminate firing was opened on sangat and many were drenched in blood and attained Shaheedi, Bhai Sahib's paternal grandfather Bhai Kehar Singh was one of the Shaheeds of this incident. Bhai Budhsinghwala had much affection for his grandfather.
The Shaheedi of his grandfather had a deep effect upon his tender heart at the age of 18 years. The government tyranny making its way throughout the Moga area, arrived at Bhai Sahib's village. Bhai Sahib was arrested and imprisoned in Firozpur jail for one and a half years. Bhai Sahib had just been released from jail when the police re-arrested him and his brother Bhai Jagroop Singh for murder. In the ensuing interrogations of the police both Bhai Sahib and his brother were tortured severely. When they were released after 8 days of torture, they both could not walk, they both got home in the evening. On the same night the police again entered their house and took their father, brother and paternal uncle into custody.
Bhai Sahib after undergoing all this oppression and torture decided to live the life of serving the Panth and left his home, to protect and fight for the rights of the people of Panjab. A tornado of fighting for justice was invested within him, after undergoing torture and oppression at the hands of the authorities. From the outset Bhai Sahib worked alongside Bhai Varyam Singh Khapiawale - after his Shaheedi, Bhai Sahib worked under the leadership of Bhai Aroor Singh of KLF. Slowly, slowly Bhai Sahibs fame grew due to the missions he completed and the enemy started to fear for their safety. When the enemy used to hear the name of Bhai Sahib they used to shiver with fear.
Bhai Sahib had undertaken the leadership of Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), after the Shaheedi of Bhai Avtar Singh Brahma in 1987. Under Bhai Budhsinghwala's leadership, the KLF completed numerous successful missions and became one of the leading freedom fighting outfits. KLF was founded by Bhai Aroor Singh in 1986, Bhai Budhsinghwala was appointed Lieutenant General then, Bhai Budhsinghwala was the 3rd Chief of KLF. He was respected as the mastermind and most intelligent, Sikh freedom fighter.
A Nihang who used to live in the same village as Bhai Gurjant Singh informed the police on numerous occasions of Bhai Sahibs actions and whereabouts. This informant helped the police arrest and torture Bhai Gurjant Singh on numerous occasions. Bhai Sahib was arrested and sent to Faridkot jail on one of these occasions. Upon release from jail - on bail, instead of going home, Bhai Sahib went directly to Shaheed Bhai Varyam Singh and became once again engrossed in seva. Bhai Sahib caught the Nihang informant and poured petrol over him and burnt him alive in the middle of the village. People of the surrounding area were happy and ecstatic at the elimination of this Nihang who caused much distress to the inhabitants of the locality.
Bhai Sahib started bringing many oppressors to justice and the police started to repeatedly harass the family of Bhai Gurjant Singh. His brothers were severely tortured and subsequently jailed. Bhai Sahib's sister's (Bibi Gurcharan Kaur's) family were tortured and harassed on a number of occasions. To try to retract Bhai Sahib from his seva,the authorities used oppressive tactics of the worst kind. His paternal Uncle Chand Singh and paternal cousin Bhai Joga Singh were martyred in a fake police encounter. His mother, father, and brothers were also terrorised. But Bhai Sahib was steadfast and did not retract an inch from his resolve.
After seeing the effectiveness of Bhai Gurjant Singh, the butcher D.G.P. Ribeiro got the most brutal S.H.O. Mith Singh appointed at the Bage Purane Police station, which was adjoining to Bhai Sahib's village in Thana Baga. The S.H.O made Bhai Sahib's family his target for meting out police brutality and being unjust, this brute got the front iron gate from Bhai Sahibs house removed and placed it at the police station. He humiliated Bhai Sahib's father by dragging him by the hair, in the heat of the Panjabi summer in front of the police station and made a public display of torturing Bhai Sahib's father. He challenged Bhai Sahib's father to "go get your tiger of a son to come and face me, face to face."
Bhai Budhsinghwala learnt of the atrocities met out to his family, and after a while he made plans to avenge these evil actions. He along with his 3 associates Bhai Lakhvinder Singh Lakha village Dhole Ke, Ajmer Singh Lodhiwal and Bhai Darshan Singh Tarkhanbad, exterminated the S.H.O at the police station whilst he was under the guard of his bodyguards. After removing the S.H.O, Bhai Sahib and his associates fired at the police in the police station, but they locked themselves in out of fear and did not dare to return fire. Bhai Sahib and his associates left the police station at 7.30am with such calmness and braveness, no police official had the courage to even follow the Singh's after they left. The newly appointed S.H.O got the very same iron-gate reinstated at Bhai Sahib's house.
Bhai Sahib put many oppressors to justice and he worked with Bhai Jarnail Singh Halwara (Longowal Kand), Varinder Singh Dakha, Amar Singh Maan, Binderjeet Singh Dune ke, Manjeet Singh Mini Baba Moga, Amrik Singh Dune Ke, Kulvant Singh Kukrana, Gurmeet Singh Machaki, Manohar Singh Teera, whilst completing his missions. After the Shaheedi of Bhai Avtar Singh Brahma, Bhai Gurjant Singh was appointed the new commander in chief of KLF, Bhai Sahib and his associates eliminated the following oppressors: S.S.P Gobind Ram, S.S.P AS Brar - Patiala, S.P. Patiala - RS Gill, S.P. Detective RS Tiwara, D.S.P Tara Chand Jagraon and in turn avenged the deaths of many Shaheeds.
Bhai Sahib also seriously injured the following oppresors: D.G.P Mangat, S.S.P Sumedh Saini, S.P Kehar Singh. Other prominent successes of Bhai Sahib were the Panjab Congress Vice President Lala Bagvan Daas who was eliminated along with his bodyguards at Jaito, ex-treasurer Balwant Singh was eliminated in Chandigarh, Magistrate Goyal Moga was eliminated after getting his armed guards to surrender and he kidnapped the Romanian diplomat L. Radu and got the message across to the global media about the Sikh struggle and state oppression. The son of the S.S.P Des Raaj Sharma of Tarn Taran was kidnapped in order to get Bhai Sahib's associates freed from the police, this was the first time a hostage was taken for political demands in Panjab and Bhai Sahib's friends were freed.
There was a bounty of 4 Lakh (400,000) Rupees upon his head. Bhai Sahib was the most wanted Sikh freedom fighter and he was believed to be the mastermind of many successful actions against the authorities. The Ludhiana police had received confirmed intelligence reports that Bhai Sahib and other freedom fighters were holding a meeting at Model town extension - in house no. 95. The police along with the assistance of the army at about 10pm surrounded the house and ordered the inhabitants of the house to open the gate, but the house owner replied that he had dignitaries in attendance. According to the police the Singh's tried to escape through the back of the house, but the police had already surrounded the house and opened fire on the Singhs, one Singh got injured in the firing. Bhai Budhsinghwala did once again try escaping but due to the heavy fire he was martyred in the exchange of fire. The police claimed in their press release that Bhai Sahib was martyred within the house but all other accounts of eyewitnesses said that Bhai Sahib was martyred about 50 meters from the house in an alleyway.
This police operation was carried out by the S.S.P of Ludhiana 'Chotpadhiea' & D.S.P DS Gill. There were large engravements made upon the grass around the house - where the police had entrenched themselves. The police did not return Bhai Sahibs body to his relatives.
Bhai Gurjant Singh Budhsinghwala was a freedom loving spirit who did not enter controversies with others and all Sikh Jathebandhis (Organisations) respected Bhai Sahib. Bhai Sahib used to speak very little, due to which he was able to command KLF for a relatively long time. Bhai Budhsinghwala was said to be wanted for 37 accomplished actions by the police. The people began to admire and respect Bhai Gurjant Singh more and more as time went by, as he was dead against thieves and robbery and he put numerous such thieves to justice.
Bhai Sahib attained Shaheedi on 31st July 1992 at the age of 28 years. The Panth will never forget the service he rendered.
27/12/2008
Shaheed Jathedar Gurdev Singh Kaunke
In the Jagraon District of Punjab is a very blessed village called Kaunke. The Master of Miri Piri, Sahib Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji blessed this village stating the diamonds would be born from this village. Guru Ji stated this when he rested at the village on his journey to the Sind region. When he stayed at Kaunke village, one of its resident Gursikhs, Bhai Hira Ji did keertan seva. Guru Ji was very moved by the keertan and at this point stated in a 'Bachan' that many more diamonds would be born here.
So it happened, aswell as Bhai Hira Ji, Sardar Sham Singh Attari, the Great Mata Kishen Kaur Kaunke, Bhai Gurdev Singh Kaunke, and many countless young Gursikhs who have given all to the Sikh struggle, all were born in the village Kaunke.
The list of names that stood by the mission and ideologue of Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bindranwale from this village is long, but one name stands out. That name is Jathedar Gurdev Singh Ji.
Bhai Gurdev Singh was born in 1949 in house of Bhai Gurdial Singh and Mata Chand Kaur Ji. Bhai sahib's grandfather was Jathedar Totha Singh, who was a companion of Baba Nand Singh Ji of Nanaksar. Hence Gursikhi was a part of the family tradition.
At a young age, Bhai Sahib was blessed with Amrit at the Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. Bhai Sahib's worldly education was only up to level 6. However he continued to study in his religious study at the Damdami Taksal. He was tutored by Baba Vir Singh Madoke and Giani Inder Singh Badni Wale, both of whom were companions of Baba Gurbachan Singh Khalsa. From here Bhai Sahib began to do seva of katha of Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Dasam Granth.
Due to the fact that Bhai Sahib inherited considerable land, his family needs were always satisfied, and therefore Bhai Sahib always did katha without selfish desire.
In 1970, Bhai Sahib's Anand Karaj to Bibi Gurmel Kaur happened. Before the Anand Karaj, Bibi Ji took Amrit and adorned a Keski.
Bhai Sahib was a very strict Gursikh and followed the practice of Gurmat Bibek. This meant that would only eat food prepared by Amritdhari hands. Bhai Sahib was also strict in his Amrit vela, rising everyday at 2am. From 2am to 8am, Bhai Sahib would do his nitnem, and would never speak to anyone during this period. Bhai Sahib was very influenced by Sant Jarnail Singh. Throughout the Dharam Yudh Morcha, Bhai Sahib, along with his whole family would court arrest.
Operation Bluestar in 1984, had a deep impact on Bhai sahib. From this period, Bhai Sahib in his katha openly started condemning Brahmin Authorities, and their devious practices. Due to the sincere nature of Bhai Sahib's character, the parchar that Bhai Sahib did had a lot of influence on the sangat. Bhai Sahib was against all types of self-appointed Guru's & Sant's, and as a result of his parchar in the Jagraon area many deras, businesses of Brahminvaad, blind worship and ritualism were removed from every village and town.
Due to Bhai Sahib's parchar, the drug-ridden area of Jagraon, witnessed many Amrit Sanchaars, and kesri dastaars and black gatras could be seen everywhere. Once again the Malwa region strangled by drugs, witnessed a Khalsa revolution. At weddings, where previously dirty songs were heard, now Gurbani Keertan was heard. In buses, the Bollywood songs were replaced Dhadi Vaars and religious songs. Much of this social change was credited to Bhai Gurdev Singh Ji.
As a result of this, in January 1986, Bhai Sahib was chosen to the highest Seva in the Khalsa Panth, the Seva of Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib.
These times were difficult, but Bhai Sahib did this Seva as a fearless General. It was only the first two days of Operation Black Thunder. Jathedar Ji's first action was to remove all the Government agents dressed as Sikh youth jujharoos from Sri Darbar Sahib. Next he ensured that the corrupt kharkoos who were having langars in their rooms in the Darbar Sahib complex were stopped, and everyone was made to have langar only in the Guru Ram Dass langar hall. Throughout his period as Jathedar, Bhai Sahib ensured he had only from Guru Ram Dass langar hall to ensure the Maryada of Sangat and Pangat remained.
At this time, the Kar Seva (building) of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib was happening. Jathedar Ji took control of the Golak to ensure it was not being siphoned off by unscrupulous characters. Bhai Sahib was completely sympathetic to the Khalistan cause, and felt that the Khalsa needed to fight for its independence. In his lectures, Jathedar Ji would say, those who have internal differences, kill innocent hindus, give threats like gangsters, they are traitors to the Sikh struggle and cause. He would often speak about the need to Sikhs to develop a revolutionary Spirit.
In his Katha, Jathedar Ji would often speak against the ill's of Punjabi society, and encouraged social change. In his period, he helped thousand's of poor girl's who were abandoned by their husbands because of the greed of dowry. Bhai Sahib would himself become involved in individual cases and ensure the girl's were accepted back into their homes. As a result of this parchar, in the Jagraon area, social ill's such as dowry, alcoholism, domestic violence were reduced dramatically.
Such was the impact of Jathedar Ji's sincere nature, that the population stopped taking their disputes to court's and police stations. Instead they would come to the Kaunke village, to Jathedar Ji, where they felt they would get justice. The sweet words of Jathedar Ji would leave both parties walking away happy.
As a result of this social change, the Police and other Sarkari (government) agents saw their incomes significantly decrease, as they were unable to get money as bribes or extortion from the disputes. They became dangerous enemies of Jathedar Ji, and started to plot against him.
In 1989, some kharkoo Singhs fired on the Ludhiana headquarters of the RSS (a right-wing Hindu fascist group). Jathedar Ji's enemies saw their opportunity. At that time, Ludhiana was under the control of an extremely vicious and brutal SSP called Sumedh Saini. To get Bhai Sahib to admit responsibility for the attack, he was hung upside down, and tortured for many hours.
Then later on, Jathedar Ji was one again arrested and was falsely implicated in the Bidar attack. But after one year, Jathedar Ji was again released. Then on 19th May 1991, Bhai Sahib was again arrested and tortured. He was imprisoned for another 18 months.
Jathedar Ji would never allow the sangat to bail him out, and always fought his cases with truth and full faith in Guru Maharaj, which always resulted in his release. In fact, the Government were often forced to admit in court that the charges against him were false. This led to great embarrassment for them. For the mud they slung at Jathedar Ji, he always came out whiter than white. The population witnessed the difference between the character of the Khalsa Singh, and the devious nature of the Brahmin authorities. As a result, the aura of Jathedar Ji's revolutionary Khalsa character was a huge thorn for the Brahmin agencies.
On 20th December 1992, the cowardly Police forces at 4am came to arrest the Lionheart Jathedar Gurdev Singh. However due to body of Bhai Sahib young nephew being at his house for cremation, they had to release Bhai Sahib after a few hours.
Five days later, under the command of Inspector Gurdeep Singh, the Police arrested Jathedar Ji when he finished Katha at Gurdwara Sahib in the early hours. Bhai Sahib asked them if he could go home first, then he would accompany them. Bhai Sahib walked home, followed by the Police party, and many local villagers. Once he arrived home, Bhai Sahib did ishnaan (bathed) and changed his clothes, and then went and sat in the Jeep. The whole road was filled with villagers. Jathedar Ji rose to address them. In his sincere nature, he asked the sangat to accept his final Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!!. Jathedar Ji was aware his time had come, and sweetly accepted the will of Akaal. Fearing the wrath of the sangat, the police quickly sped off.
Jathedar Ji was tortured by the infamous and brutal Head of Jagraon Police, Swaran Gotna. Thus named for his use of the 'Gotna' in interrogation. This is a large log placed on the legs and rolled up and down them while two policemen stand on each side. He was assisted by Harbhagwan Sodhi and Inspector Gurdeep Singh, who today is a DSP in the Punjab Police. Then Jathedar Ji was further interrogated by CIA staff of Jagraon.
In them days, a rumour spread through the villages of Jagraon. When Swaran Gotna swore at Jathedar Ji and told him to remove his Kirpan and gatra. Jathedar Ji in a state of Bir-Rass (warrior spirit) replied, 'Stop, who are you threatening. This is worn because of the many Great Sacrifices.. A dog of the Brahmin like you will never understand its value..' A scuffle broke between the two and it took 5-7 commandos to restrain Bhai Sahib. His Kakkaars were removed and he was mercilessly beaten and tortured.
Jathedar Ji due to keeping Gurmat Bibek would never eat at the Police station. Everyday his family would bring prepared meals for him, but the brutal Police always refused to let him eat, and sent the family away. As a result, Bhai Sahib health became weak, but he never compromised of his religious principles of Gurmat Bibek.
In a nearby village Chaharchuk, an old bibi stated she had gone to the Police Station in relation to a case. She saw Bhai Sahib and he was in a very fragile state. At this point local villagers and Akali Leaders began putting pressure for Jathedar Ji's release. When local villagers with Akali leader Captain Harcharan Singh Rode met with Police officials, they were told that Bhai Sahib would be charged and sent to prison.
However on 1st January 1993, Swaran Gotna got his revenge. As a result, on the 3rd January 1993, the newly appointed SSP Harinder Chahal stated to newspapers that Bhai Sahib was leading them to the cache of arms used by militants, when on there way they were attacked. He said Bhai Sahib had escaped. However everyone knew that these stories by Punjab Police were always made up. In reality, Bhai Sahib was Shaheed on 1st January and thrown into a river.
Anger grew throughout Punjab as the news of Jathedar Ji's Shaheedi spread. Panthic Leaders throughout the world gathered at the bhog. However the Police and Army sealed off Kaunke village. Even the photographic cameras of the press were broken and removed. Akali leaders in attendance were beaten with lathi's (wooden sticks). Even the highly dubious Akali leader Parkash Badal demanded an investigation into the murder of Jathedar Ji, but decades on, nothing has happened. Whenever the family raises the issue, many more innocents became victims of Police excesses. Through infiltration of dubious people, fear, threats, and bribery, the case is always held up or shelved.
Even Jathedars Ji's young son, Hari Singh was not spared. A false case of a bomb explosion was placed on him, even though on that day he was at school, and the register confirms his attendance, which eventually led to his release. Bhai Sahib's elder son, Bhai Ram Singh was also picked up and tortured by Police on many occasions.
The Akali party fought the next election stating it would investigate the period of 1984 onwards and produce a white paper. It won the election by a huge landslide, but Badal soon forgot every promise and used his time to expand his own wealth.
When Bhai Sahib's family approached the Akali party for a full investigation, Police Officer Tiwari held an investigation. However just as the report on the investigation of the massacre of the 13 Singhs in 1978, the report of the murder of Bhai Sahib mysteriously disappeared somewhere in Badals administration, and was never seen again.
So it happened, aswell as Bhai Hira Ji, Sardar Sham Singh Attari, the Great Mata Kishen Kaur Kaunke, Bhai Gurdev Singh Kaunke, and many countless young Gursikhs who have given all to the Sikh struggle, all were born in the village Kaunke.
The list of names that stood by the mission and ideologue of Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bindranwale from this village is long, but one name stands out. That name is Jathedar Gurdev Singh Ji.
Bhai Gurdev Singh was born in 1949 in house of Bhai Gurdial Singh and Mata Chand Kaur Ji. Bhai sahib's grandfather was Jathedar Totha Singh, who was a companion of Baba Nand Singh Ji of Nanaksar. Hence Gursikhi was a part of the family tradition.
At a young age, Bhai Sahib was blessed with Amrit at the Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. Bhai Sahib's worldly education was only up to level 6. However he continued to study in his religious study at the Damdami Taksal. He was tutored by Baba Vir Singh Madoke and Giani Inder Singh Badni Wale, both of whom were companions of Baba Gurbachan Singh Khalsa. From here Bhai Sahib began to do seva of katha of Sahib Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Dasam Granth.
Due to the fact that Bhai Sahib inherited considerable land, his family needs were always satisfied, and therefore Bhai Sahib always did katha without selfish desire.
In 1970, Bhai Sahib's Anand Karaj to Bibi Gurmel Kaur happened. Before the Anand Karaj, Bibi Ji took Amrit and adorned a Keski.
Bhai Sahib was a very strict Gursikh and followed the practice of Gurmat Bibek. This meant that would only eat food prepared by Amritdhari hands. Bhai Sahib was also strict in his Amrit vela, rising everyday at 2am. From 2am to 8am, Bhai Sahib would do his nitnem, and would never speak to anyone during this period. Bhai Sahib was very influenced by Sant Jarnail Singh. Throughout the Dharam Yudh Morcha, Bhai Sahib, along with his whole family would court arrest.
Operation Bluestar in 1984, had a deep impact on Bhai sahib. From this period, Bhai Sahib in his katha openly started condemning Brahmin Authorities, and their devious practices. Due to the sincere nature of Bhai Sahib's character, the parchar that Bhai Sahib did had a lot of influence on the sangat. Bhai Sahib was against all types of self-appointed Guru's & Sant's, and as a result of his parchar in the Jagraon area many deras, businesses of Brahminvaad, blind worship and ritualism were removed from every village and town.
Due to Bhai Sahib's parchar, the drug-ridden area of Jagraon, witnessed many Amrit Sanchaars, and kesri dastaars and black gatras could be seen everywhere. Once again the Malwa region strangled by drugs, witnessed a Khalsa revolution. At weddings, where previously dirty songs were heard, now Gurbani Keertan was heard. In buses, the Bollywood songs were replaced Dhadi Vaars and religious songs. Much of this social change was credited to Bhai Gurdev Singh Ji.
As a result of this, in January 1986, Bhai Sahib was chosen to the highest Seva in the Khalsa Panth, the Seva of Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib.
These times were difficult, but Bhai Sahib did this Seva as a fearless General. It was only the first two days of Operation Black Thunder. Jathedar Ji's first action was to remove all the Government agents dressed as Sikh youth jujharoos from Sri Darbar Sahib. Next he ensured that the corrupt kharkoos who were having langars in their rooms in the Darbar Sahib complex were stopped, and everyone was made to have langar only in the Guru Ram Dass langar hall. Throughout his period as Jathedar, Bhai Sahib ensured he had only from Guru Ram Dass langar hall to ensure the Maryada of Sangat and Pangat remained.
At this time, the Kar Seva (building) of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib was happening. Jathedar Ji took control of the Golak to ensure it was not being siphoned off by unscrupulous characters. Bhai Sahib was completely sympathetic to the Khalistan cause, and felt that the Khalsa needed to fight for its independence. In his lectures, Jathedar Ji would say, those who have internal differences, kill innocent hindus, give threats like gangsters, they are traitors to the Sikh struggle and cause. He would often speak about the need to Sikhs to develop a revolutionary Spirit.
In his Katha, Jathedar Ji would often speak against the ill's of Punjabi society, and encouraged social change. In his period, he helped thousand's of poor girl's who were abandoned by their husbands because of the greed of dowry. Bhai Sahib would himself become involved in individual cases and ensure the girl's were accepted back into their homes. As a result of this parchar, in the Jagraon area, social ill's such as dowry, alcoholism, domestic violence were reduced dramatically.
Such was the impact of Jathedar Ji's sincere nature, that the population stopped taking their disputes to court's and police stations. Instead they would come to the Kaunke village, to Jathedar Ji, where they felt they would get justice. The sweet words of Jathedar Ji would leave both parties walking away happy.
As a result of this social change, the Police and other Sarkari (government) agents saw their incomes significantly decrease, as they were unable to get money as bribes or extortion from the disputes. They became dangerous enemies of Jathedar Ji, and started to plot against him.
In 1989, some kharkoo Singhs fired on the Ludhiana headquarters of the RSS (a right-wing Hindu fascist group). Jathedar Ji's enemies saw their opportunity. At that time, Ludhiana was under the control of an extremely vicious and brutal SSP called Sumedh Saini. To get Bhai Sahib to admit responsibility for the attack, he was hung upside down, and tortured for many hours.
Then later on, Jathedar Ji was one again arrested and was falsely implicated in the Bidar attack. But after one year, Jathedar Ji was again released. Then on 19th May 1991, Bhai Sahib was again arrested and tortured. He was imprisoned for another 18 months.
Jathedar Ji would never allow the sangat to bail him out, and always fought his cases with truth and full faith in Guru Maharaj, which always resulted in his release. In fact, the Government were often forced to admit in court that the charges against him were false. This led to great embarrassment for them. For the mud they slung at Jathedar Ji, he always came out whiter than white. The population witnessed the difference between the character of the Khalsa Singh, and the devious nature of the Brahmin authorities. As a result, the aura of Jathedar Ji's revolutionary Khalsa character was a huge thorn for the Brahmin agencies.
On 20th December 1992, the cowardly Police forces at 4am came to arrest the Lionheart Jathedar Gurdev Singh. However due to body of Bhai Sahib young nephew being at his house for cremation, they had to release Bhai Sahib after a few hours.
Five days later, under the command of Inspector Gurdeep Singh, the Police arrested Jathedar Ji when he finished Katha at Gurdwara Sahib in the early hours. Bhai Sahib asked them if he could go home first, then he would accompany them. Bhai Sahib walked home, followed by the Police party, and many local villagers. Once he arrived home, Bhai Sahib did ishnaan (bathed) and changed his clothes, and then went and sat in the Jeep. The whole road was filled with villagers. Jathedar Ji rose to address them. In his sincere nature, he asked the sangat to accept his final Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!!. Jathedar Ji was aware his time had come, and sweetly accepted the will of Akaal. Fearing the wrath of the sangat, the police quickly sped off.
Jathedar Ji was tortured by the infamous and brutal Head of Jagraon Police, Swaran Gotna. Thus named for his use of the 'Gotna' in interrogation. This is a large log placed on the legs and rolled up and down them while two policemen stand on each side. He was assisted by Harbhagwan Sodhi and Inspector Gurdeep Singh, who today is a DSP in the Punjab Police. Then Jathedar Ji was further interrogated by CIA staff of Jagraon.
In them days, a rumour spread through the villages of Jagraon. When Swaran Gotna swore at Jathedar Ji and told him to remove his Kirpan and gatra. Jathedar Ji in a state of Bir-Rass (warrior spirit) replied, 'Stop, who are you threatening. This is worn because of the many Great Sacrifices.. A dog of the Brahmin like you will never understand its value..' A scuffle broke between the two and it took 5-7 commandos to restrain Bhai Sahib. His Kakkaars were removed and he was mercilessly beaten and tortured.
Jathedar Ji due to keeping Gurmat Bibek would never eat at the Police station. Everyday his family would bring prepared meals for him, but the brutal Police always refused to let him eat, and sent the family away. As a result, Bhai Sahib health became weak, but he never compromised of his religious principles of Gurmat Bibek.
In a nearby village Chaharchuk, an old bibi stated she had gone to the Police Station in relation to a case. She saw Bhai Sahib and he was in a very fragile state. At this point local villagers and Akali Leaders began putting pressure for Jathedar Ji's release. When local villagers with Akali leader Captain Harcharan Singh Rode met with Police officials, they were told that Bhai Sahib would be charged and sent to prison.
However on 1st January 1993, Swaran Gotna got his revenge. As a result, on the 3rd January 1993, the newly appointed SSP Harinder Chahal stated to newspapers that Bhai Sahib was leading them to the cache of arms used by militants, when on there way they were attacked. He said Bhai Sahib had escaped. However everyone knew that these stories by Punjab Police were always made up. In reality, Bhai Sahib was Shaheed on 1st January and thrown into a river.
Anger grew throughout Punjab as the news of Jathedar Ji's Shaheedi spread. Panthic Leaders throughout the world gathered at the bhog. However the Police and Army sealed off Kaunke village. Even the photographic cameras of the press were broken and removed. Akali leaders in attendance were beaten with lathi's (wooden sticks). Even the highly dubious Akali leader Parkash Badal demanded an investigation into the murder of Jathedar Ji, but decades on, nothing has happened. Whenever the family raises the issue, many more innocents became victims of Police excesses. Through infiltration of dubious people, fear, threats, and bribery, the case is always held up or shelved.
Even Jathedars Ji's young son, Hari Singh was not spared. A false case of a bomb explosion was placed on him, even though on that day he was at school, and the register confirms his attendance, which eventually led to his release. Bhai Sahib's elder son, Bhai Ram Singh was also picked up and tortured by Police on many occasions.
The Akali party fought the next election stating it would investigate the period of 1984 onwards and produce a white paper. It won the election by a huge landslide, but Badal soon forgot every promise and used his time to expand his own wealth.
When Bhai Sahib's family approached the Akali party for a full investigation, Police Officer Tiwari held an investigation. However just as the report on the investigation of the massacre of the 13 Singhs in 1978, the report of the murder of Bhai Sahib mysteriously disappeared somewhere in Badals administration, and was never seen again.
Shaheed Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal
Baba Gurbachan Singh was the last major Sikh Resistance leader to fall. The Indian Govenrment had put a RS 25 lakh reward on his head and was searching the entire Tarn Taran area for him, conducting 45 raids at one time to trap him. Baba Ji escaped each time and continued to be a painful thorn in India’s side. When all the other Singhs had been martyred and the entire Indian Security Force was on his trail, he refused the order to go and hide in Pakistan and spit on the offer to surrender. He simply could not be caught. Even in the end, he was martyred not by police bullets, but by the betrayal of those he considered his own.
Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal was born on June 6, 1954 at village Manochhal in Amritsar district. His parents were Bapoo Atma Singh and Mata Gurmej Kaur. His parents were simple farmers but their family had a heritage of struggle against injustice. Bapoo Atma Singh’s uncle had become shaheed in the Jaito Morcha, marching against the British Raj.
Baba Gurbachan Singh was from childhood a very strong and muscular boy. He enjoyed wrestling and other sports. The family moved from village Manochahal to Naushera Pannuan when Baba Ji was still young because his mother’s brothers had left for Singapore and left behind a large farm that had to be maintained.
Baba Ji was in the tenth grade when once he saw a boy inappropriately teasing and harassing a group of girls. Baba Ji grabbed the troublemaker and beat him badly. The teacher found out and in front of the entire class asked the young Gurbachan Singh to explain why he had beaten the other boy. Baba Ji explained, “Sir, he was harassing the bibis and after all, all women should be like our sisters. So, I couldn’t help myself and I did what I had to.”
The entire class began to laugh at Gurbachan Singh’s use of the word “bibis” for the schoolgirls. The teacher laughed and said, “I see! These girls are “bibis” and you would be the “Baba Ji. All students! From now on, everyone will call Gurbachan Singh, Baba Ji!”
After that day, the nickname “Baba” stuck and everyone began to call him Baba Gurbachan Singh. In the entire area, people began to know him as “Baba Ji”.
Baba Gurbachan Singh completed his education and at his father’s wishes, decided to join the army. Baba Ji was 6”1 and over 200 pounds. The army happily enlisted him as an “A level” recruit.
Even in the army, the name “Baba” Gurbachan Singh stuck. He was known for doing paath and being a devoted Sikh, even though he was not yet Amritdhari. Every day he dedicatedly did his nitnem. One day, as Baba Ji was doing nitnem, he fell into deep samadhi (meditation). The time for the daily military parade came and went and Baba Ji had no awareness of it. The officer in charge of the parade demanded to know where Baba Gurbachan Singh was. The other soldier tried to explain that he was meditating but the Hindu Officer had a bias against Sikhs and refused to understand.
The officer went to Baba Ji and shook him into awareness. Baba Ji apologized for missing the parade and explained he was reciting Gurbani. The officer responded by making fun of the Sikh faith and insulting the Gurus. Baba Ji’s anger couldn’t be controlled and he tackled the officer. His fists flew and the officer shrieked for someone to help him. The other Sikh soldiers watching did nothing as they knew how much the officer hated Sikhs. The beating continued for some time when finally other officers came and stopped Baba Ji. Baba Ji had broken the Hindu officer’s arm and his nose.
Baba Gurbachan Singh was arrested and court martialled. After a year of prison, Baba Ji left the army and returned home with a desire to dedicate his life to Sikhi.
Although Baba Gurbachan Singh did nitnem and had a love for Sikhi, he was still not Amritdhari. Baba Ji always attended programs by various Sants and one day he found out that Sant Kartar Singh Bhindranwale would be coming to his village for a program. Baba Ji was very moved by the katha and wanted to speak with Sant Kartar Singh. Sant Ji encouraged him to become Amritdhari and so Baba Ji did so within just a few days.
After receiving the gift of Amrit, Baba Gurbachan Singh decided to travel with Jatha Bhindra(n). He became very close to Sant Kartar Singh and also learned Gurbani Santhiya and Katha. Baba Ji had memorized many banis and had a very long daily nitnem which he began very early at Amrit vela.
After the passing of Sant Kartar Singh, Sant Jarnail Singh became the next jathedar of the Jatha and Baba Ji was also very close to him.
In the 1970s, the Indian government sponsored Nirankari cult began to come to the forefront and publicly derided the Sikh faith and insulted the Sikh Gurus. The cult chief, Gurbachana was known to have said insulting thinks like “Guru Gobind Singh made the punj pyaray, I’ll make the sat sitaray”. He also insulted Guru Granth Sahib.
On April 13, 1978, the Nirankaris had a march through Amritsar in which slogans against the Sikh religion were shouted. Singhs from the Akhand Kirtani Jatha and Jatha Bhindra(n) marched peacefully against the Nirankaris but were brutally attacked. 13 Singhs were martyred and many more were injured. Baba Gurbachan Singh had also taken part in this march and was shot in the arm.
When the Nirankaris continued with their insulting parchaar and were protected by the Indian Government, the Singhs began to punish the Nirankaris themselves and Baba Gurbachan Singh also wanted to join this movement. When he asked Sant Jarnail Singh for permission, Sant Ji kept saying that Guru Sahib was to take a very big seva from him yet. Sant Jarnail Singh asked Baba Gurbachan Singh to return to his village of Naushera Pannuan and direct the building of Gurdwara Baba Dhanna Singh Kaviraj there. Baba Ji accepted this hukam and returned to his village, but visited Sant Ji regularly even after.
Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal’s relationship with Sant Jarnail Singh was very close. Once, someone in Naushera Pannuan made the accusation that Baba Gurbachan Singh didn’t even know Sant Jarnail Singh and was using his name for his own purposes. Baba Ji gathered the Sangat and traveled to Amritsar to disprove this allegation. Baba Ji and the Sangat went to the roof of Guru Ram Das Langar and when Baba Ji told Sant Jarnail Singh about what had been said, Sant Ji replied, “Gurbachan Singh is so near to me that he can cut off my head and take it away if he wants…”
When in 1982, Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale had gone to Bombay, the Indian Government thought it was the perfect time to capture him. The police surrounded the area and when Sant Ji received word of this he thought of a clever ruse. Baba Gurbachan Singh, who had been traveling with the Jatha, was about the same height as Sant Ji and wore the same style of clothes. He covered his face and lay down in Sant Ji’s bed so those watching would be fooled. Until Sant Ji had made his escape, Baba Gurbachan Singh continued to lie in bed and when he finally got up, the government agents were shocked and disappointed that their opportunity to arrest Sant Ji had passed.
Later when Baba Gurbachan Singh would volunteer for different missions to punish the enemies of the Panth like Bhajan Lal and various police officers, Sant Jarnail Singh would always say, “these are all small jobs for you. I am going to take a very big seva from you eventually…”
The Gurdwara in Naushera Pannuan where Baba Ji did seva was regulary visited by Singhs serving in the Movement.
As the days of the attack seemed to be drawing nearer, Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale sent a message to Baba Gurbachan Singh for him to come meet him at Sri Darbar Sahib. Baba Gurbachan Singh was waiting for the opportunity. Sant Ji met Baba Ji very warmly and told him that an attack on Sri Darbar Sahib was imminent. Baba Ji requested that finally this time his seva should be accepted and he would join Singhs in defending the Complex and become Shaheed. But Sant Ji knew that this Singh would one day be a General that would shake all of India. Sant Ji said that not all the Singhs should be Shaheed in the attack. That after the attack the struggle must continue and it would no longer be a struggle for greater water rights or concessions from the Center, it would only be for independence. For Khalsa Raj. Baba Ji vowed to give his all in the fight for the Panth and for sovereignty. Sant Jarnail Singh gave Baba Gurbachan Singh a siropa and lovingly ordered him to return to his village and not return until summoned. Baba Ji knew this would be their final meeting.
The attack took place and the Singhs defending Darbar Sahib became Shaheed after wreaking havoc on the Indian Army. Baba Gurbachan Singh knew that the “big seva” Sant Ji had spoken of was now at hand.
Even before the 1984 attack, Baba Gurbachan Singh was a wanted man. The security forces knew he was close to Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and committed to the Sikh nation. As early as 1980 the police had once surrounded Gurdwara Baba Dhanna Singh in Naushera Pannuan where Baba Ji was doing seva and ordered Baba Ji to surrender. Baba Ji told the police party that he would change his clothes first. He went inside his room and came out with a big kirpaan. Taking it out of its sheath, Baba Ji bellowed, "Whoever has got the courage can come and arrest me". The police party was terrified and no one approached. By this time the village Sangat had also assempled and the Police were forced to return to their stations empty-handed.
In 1981 Baba Ji had begun to carry a revolver and knew that the Sikh struggle would have to resort to arms.
Baba Ji's heart was breaking when news of the attack on Darbar Sahib arrived. He was wishing that he too could join his fellow Singhs in defence but he was bound by Sant Jarnail Singh Ji's orders. He knew Sant Ji wanted him to organize the Sikh Freedom movement after the attack.
When villagers began to march towards Sri Darbar Sahib Baba Ji understood their pain, but knew this would be fruitless. Thousands of Sikhs had risen up from the villages and had been mowed down by the army. Baba Ji sent messages everywhere that marching on Amritsar without any weapons was useless. They should wait for weapons and then together, with a set strategy, they would fight the government. In this way Baba Gurbachan Singh saved many lives and laid the foundation for the future movement.
After the attack, those Singhs who were close to Sant Jarnail Singh and were ready to take on the government began to have secret meetings. Reporter Dalbir Singh was a well-educated journalist who knew Sant Jarnail Singh very well. He gathered with the remaining Singhs like Manbeer Singh Chaheru (General, Khalistan Commando Force) and others and told them that a fight for Khalistan would not be useful. He said that there were not enough Singhs to fight and the Indian government had a security force that could not be defeated so easily. The other Singhs began to discuss with Dalbir Singh about what could be done. When Baba Manochahal was asked for his opinion, he said plainly, "Bhaji, the government and its agents have oppressed the Sikhs. They've dishonored our mothers and sisters. We are going to take justice for that. Regarding all these political issues you're talking about, you can deal with them as you see fit." There was no discussion left. Baba Ji was determined to keep his promise of fighting for Sikh freedom.
Through 1985, Baba Gurbachan Singh began to organize the Singhs to fight against Indian oppression. He made speeches and created popular support for an armed movement.
The police were on Baba Ji's trail and once even managed to capture him. The CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) had sideswiped Baba Ji's motorcycle one night and then after tying him, threw him in their Jeep. Baba Ji managed to untie himself and after pushing his captors, jumped from the moving jeep. He ran through the fields and managed to escape.
This was just the beginning. Baba Ji's true life as an outlaw would begin after a battle in his own home village Manochahal. Baba Ji had gone to meet his family and was to spend the night in a small hut in the fields when someone informed the police. Baba Ji and his brother Bhai Mohinder Singh were asleep when the police party surrounded the hut. The head of the police party knocked on the door and shouted for Baba Manochahal to surrender. Baba Manochahal knew that the situation was dire and decided to buy some time. He demanded that the village head (sarpanch) be summoned and only then would he come out.
The police brought the sarpanch and when the sarpanch went to speak with Baba Gurbachan Singh, he tried to explain that the hut was completely surrounded. The Police again demanded that Baba Ji open the door. The sarpanch was asked to stand aside. Baba Ji then yelled from inside, "Give me a flashlight" The police were confused and asked "Why do you need it?" Baba Ji replied, "We've locked the door from the inside and need it so we can see the lock!" The police passed a torch through the space under the door. Baba Ji and his brother armed their assault rifles and set them on "burst". Baba Ji threw open the door and began to fire. The CRPF officer at the door fell immediately and the others also came under fire. The Bihari officers began to run in all directions, screaming "Run ! They're going to kill us!"
Baba Ji and his brother jumped over the officers who were still lying in position. A Punjab Police officer tried to tackle Baba Ji as he was running but also failed. Baba Ji had wreaked havoc on the police and escaped. One officer thought Baba Ji was chasing him and for kilometers ran in front of Baba Ji. Baba Gurbachan Singh did not harm the poor police officer and let him go.
By 1986, the Sikh Freedom movement had begun and a five member Panthic Committee was formed to give the movement direction. The Singhs choosing the Committee were all affiliated with Damdami Taksal and had chosen five Singhs also affiliated with Taksal. Baba Gurbachan Singh requested that at least one Singh from Babbar Khalsa be chosen and he would give up his own spot if needed. The other Singhs did not agree and the Committee was announced. Baba Gurbachan Singh felt that without including all members of the struggle, regardless of their Jathedbandi, the Committee would not accomplish all it would have, but he continued on as a member.
A Sarbat Khalsa was called on January 26, 1986 in which the Panthic Committee was announced to the Sikh Panth. The five members were Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal, Wassan Singh Zaffarwal, Bhai Dhanna Singh, Bhai Aroor Singh (Shaheed) and Bhai Gurdev Singh Usmanvala (Shaheed). Bhai Gurdev Singh Kaunke was appointed acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. The Sarkar Takhat that was built by the Indian Government to stand in place of the destroyed Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib was also ordered to be destroyed. The kar seva of the new Akal Takhat building began that day.
On April 29, 1986 the Panthic Committee called a press conference at Sri Darbar Sahib and made the declaration of an independent Sikh nation, Khalistan.
Baba Gurbachan Singh along with the other Singhs had gone into Darbar Sahib undercover. Baba Ji tied his beard and took on the appearance of a lawyer, complete with briefcase.
On April 30, Bhai Gurdev Singh was arrested and Baba Gurbachan Singh was appointed acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. In the period that followed it was always confusing who was Jathedar as this position changed quite frequently. Baba Ji was once again appointed Jathedar on October 23, 1987.
It was at this time that Baba Gurbachan Singh emerged as head of a new organization: The Bhindranvala Tiger Force for Khalistan (BTFK). Some top lieutenants who worked with Baba Ji were Bhai Sukhwinder Singh Sangha, Bhai Satnam Singh Chheena and Bhai Surjeet Singh Behla. Baba Ji's brother Bhai Mohinder Singh also was a close associate.
Baba Manochahal decided to make a trip to Pakistan to secure arms for the Singhs. In his absence, he appointed Bhai Mohinder Singh to supervise operations. When arms arrived, Bhai Mohinder Singh and Bhai Sukhwinder Singh had a disagreement about the distribution and both parted company.
The touts of the Indian Government decided to make use of this disagreement. They tricked some Singhs working under Bhai Sangha into shooting Bhai Mohinder Singh. They were told he was a goon and terrorizing the common people. Without checking on who they were attacking, the foolish recruits ended up shooting Bhai Mohinder Singh.
Baba Gurbachan Singh returned to Punjab to find out what had happened and many Singhs blamed Bhai Sangha for the death and asked that Baba Ji take revenge. Baba Ji asked for an explanation from Bhai Sukhwinder Singh and then after hearing the story simply said, "What's done is done. In the future be sure about who it is you're going to shoot." The Singhs in the Jathebandi were shocked that Baba Ji would let his brother's death go unpunished but Baba Ji insisted that the mission was Khalistan and to get caught in small personal battles was self-defeating. Bhai Sangha eventually left the Majha area and operated out of Malwa independent of Baba Ji. When eventually Bhai Sangha was martyred, Baba Gurbachan Singh expressed his sadness and when others Singhs pointed out that Sangha had left the Jathebandi, Baba Ji said, "our goal was the same. Everyone makes mistakes and we should over look them."
In the early days of the movement, Baba Gurbachan Singh kept a hideout in the swamps of the Mand area. Here he set up some huts and also a separate hut for Guru Granth Sahib. Baba Ji would sleep on the floor and every day wake up at Amrit vela and do two hours of naam abhyaas. After, he would complete his very long nitnem and do sehaj paath from Guru Granth Sahib. Baba Ji daily completed five Sukhmani Sahibs even in the thick of battle.
After his morning paath Baba Ji would read up to seven different newspapers to keep aware of events and government propoganda. He would plan strategic strikes that would weaken India's hold on Punjab and break the occupier's confidence.
During this time, Baba Ji even had Amrit Sanchaars at this small dera for those who wanted to become Khalsa.
In Punjab you will see that at every half kilometer, there is the grave of a Muslim Pir (saint). These graves are often not even real and made just to make money. Ignorant Hindus and Sikhs even worship these graves and when going past them, villagers are very afraid.
Once Baba Gurbachan Singh and another Singh were passing the grave of "Gainda Shah". The Singh with Baba Ji stopped at the grave and because of fear, offered his respects. Baba Ji stood afar and watched all this. When the Singh was finished, Baba Ji took off his shoe, walked to the grave and began to hit it. The other Singh was terrified and shocked. But when nothing happened, and Baba Ji walked away without a word, that Singh and other villagers watching understood that the graves had no power.
In Naushera Pannuan, there is a grave of a Pir that is considered holy by mothers with sons. They give their sons first pay to those looking after the grave. Baba Ji's mother also once went to the grave and offered prayers for Baba Ji's protection and gave Rs. 500. Baba Ji found out about this. When he went home to visit his family one night after his return from Pakistan, his sister-in-law asked, "Do Muslims also come to matha tek at Nankana Sahib?" Baba Ji angrily replied, "Muslims aren't idiots like you who leave their own places of worship and wander about elsewhere." The family understood what Baba Ji was referring to.
Baba Ji used to also speak against fake Sants. One such Sant was thought to have magical powers. A Singh asked Baba Ji, "Don't you feel afraid talking badly about that Sant? Aren't you afraid of being cursed?" Baba Ji replied, "If Guru Gobind Singh's Singhs start getting effected by the curses of these Sadhs, then what point is there in being a Singh? If these curses did effect us, I'd take my kirpan and give it back to Guru Sahib and ask him what was the point of being his Singh if we still have to fear fake Sadhs like that."
Baba Gurbachan Singh was becoming the head of a very powerful force and the people of Punjab were giving them all possible support. In the plains of Punjab, a guerrilla movement is almost impossible unless the people are willing to hide and shelter the fighters. Rural Punjab was almost completely under the control of the Singhs and the Indian Security Forces were afraid to even go near them.
Baba Manochahal was respected as being one of the most wise Generals in the movement. Baba Manochahal was very opposed to waste. When in an encounter, he would stay very calm and only fire when he was sure the bullet would be effective. He once said to Bhai Surjit Singh Behla, "In an eight hour encounter I fired a total of 150 rounds. You Singhs fire so many rounds for no reason at all."
When once some Singhs of a different group killed a police informant and his entire family, Baba Manochahal met the leader of the group and said, "If he was an informant then you should have eliminated just him. Why did you kill his children..?"
Baba Ji never killed a Hindu for just being a Hindu. He was completely opposed to pointless killing. In a meeting of Singhs Baba Ji explained, "A child is born and then it takes at least 18 years for him to become a man. It cannot be called humanity to mow him down based on a decision made in just a few seconds. It's important to give people at least three chances to correct themselves.
The government was becoming afraid that Punjab was slipping from their grasp. They decided to change the way in which the battle was being fought. New groups were formed under the direction of various police officers. These groups dressed like Singhs but went into villages to loot, rape and kill. After performing their disgusting deeds, they would shout Khalistan slogans and leave. The government also began to spread falsehood about Baba Manochahal that he was involved in rapes and looting and even that he had links to the government.
But all these stories were false. Baba Ji always treated all women as sisters. Once the Singhs kidnapped a police officer and his wife in order to secure the release of some captured Singhs. When the police kidnapped or arrested Singh's women family members, they were abused with filthy language and often even raped. Baba Manochahal treated the police officer's wife like a sister and when the couple was released, just like a brother sends away his real sister, Baba Ji gave her a new suit.
The government itself had spread the rumor that Baba Manochahal had links with Buta Singh, a Congress Minister. It said that Baba Ji was not being caught because he was staying in Buta Singh's mansion and receiving shelter there. There was of course no truth to this. Baba Gurbachan Singh used to spend his nights in fields or families houses. He traveled by bicycyle or by foot most often and lived a very simple life. Once it was raining and Baba Ji was sitting in a sugar cane field. He had spread a plastic sheet over top, but it was beginning to leak. A Singh came to meet him and Baba Ji laughed, "Welcome! Come and see Buta Singh's mansion. Wipe your feet outside or you'll muddy the rugs."
Bhai Satwant Singh and Bhai Kehar Singh were hung for the assassination of Indira Gandhi on January 6, 1989. All Sikh Resistance Movement fighters organized a common Akhand Paath Sahib in their memory. Bhai Vadhava Singh Babbar sang the shabad "Sajan meray ranglay" in a very moving way and all the Singhs became emotional. All the Movement leaders were present: Bhai Vadhava Singh, Bhai Gurjant Singh Budhsinghwala, Bhai Parmjeet Singh Panjwar, Bhai Charanjit Singh Channi and others.
Some attempts were being made at having unity between the different groups. But as is the case with all Sikhs, there were serious differences and the Indian government too had succeeded in some ways at creating distrust. There were whispers that perhaps Baba Manochahal really was a government agent and maybe he really did allow raping and looting. As the discussions were continuing, Baba Manochahal stood up and declared, "I, Manochahal, have been accused of a lot things. I'm a government agent, I'm a looter, I'm also friends with Buta Singh. Apparently I've bought a lot of land in UP (using the Panth's money). But I want to say that wherever you find this land, you can distribute it in the Panth. My fight is dedicated to Sant Ji's words and I won't back down from that, regardless of whether my family is finished and my children are cut to pieces in front of me. If Banda Singh Bahadur could have his child's heart put in his mouth, why can't I? I also tasted the same Guru's amrit. I could be accused of anything and I wouldn't care. All I care is that my Kalgeeya wala is not disappointed with me and then for all I care, the entire world can be angry.
One of the most famous battles in the history of the modern Sikh Movement took place in village Rataul. Baba Manochahal and some companions were staying in this village when it was cordoned off by the police. One Singh was resting a house, different than the one being used by Baba Manochahal, when the police entered. The Singh entered an underground bunker. The police became suspicious since a set of muddy foot prints could be seen leading to a corner and then mysteriously disappeared. When they went to the corner and moved a drum of flour, the entrance to the bunker became visible. Right away, the Singh inside opened fire and dropped the entire group. The cowardly Indians began to run in different directions and the Singh managed to escape from that house. Word was sent to Baba Manochahal that the village was surrounded and he should escape. Baba Ji along with his body guard broke the cordon and escaped.
Inside the village, 5 Singhs gathered at a house where they had made a concrete bunker. They had decided to show the police what a real encounter was like. The army along with police divisions from Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran and Batala surrounded the area. The Singhs were well armed and had sniper rifles as well.
A DIG of the police was trying to lead his men and give them courage to fight when the Singhs shot him dead. The loss of such a high ranking officer demoralized the already scared troops. The Singhs continued to bellow jaikaray from inside the bunker as they fought. Police officers attempted to pick up the body, but each time were forced to retreat under fire. The body lying there continued to demoralize them.
The Singhs fought for a total of 72 hours. The Security forces had lost so many men that it could no longer stand to fight anymore. They ordered a helicopter and had the bunker bombed. The five Singhs inside were all Shaheed but showed they showed the world that Guru Gobind Singh's words "Sava lakh say ik larau" are still true.
The Indian Centre ordered elections for Punjab on February 19, 1992. A group of Sikh fighters under the Panthic Committee headed by Dr. Sohan Singh ordered the Sikhs to boycott the elections. Baba Gurbachan Singh on the other hand wanted the Sikhs to take part in the elections and by electing Panthic Singhs, show that the will of the people was Khalistan. Once a Panthic government was formed in Punjab, it could pass a motion for independence and show that Khalistan was the will of the people. Even if such a government were dismissed by the Centre, the will of the people would have been expressed as being in favour of independence.
Baba Manochahl's stand was criticized by many and Dr. Sohan Singh called him an agent of the government. Baba Ji replied, "The time will come when the Panth will know who is a government agent and who is not. But that time is unfortunately not going to come any time soon." Dr. Sohan Singh is still alive today, walking a free man on the streets of Chandigarh.
Some misguided fighters went so far as to attack Baba Ji's family in their home. Baba Ji's companions asked him to reply to this attack in kind but Baba Ji simply said, "If they are making a mistake, should I make a mistake just like them too? The government already wants that we should fight and kill each other. Should we help the government by fighting each other?" Baba Ji kept encouraging the Sikh Movement leaders to not boycott the election saying that if they participated they would clearly win but if they did not, Baba Ji said, "it's like taking off our shoe and handing it over to our enemy to beat us over the head with. Singhs! Please don't make this mistake".
But short sightedness resulted in a boycott of the Punjab elections. Baba Ji lamented, "The election boycott is going to have a deadly effect on us. It's going to throw the Sikh Movement decades behind. Just watch, those people who today are considering it an honour to invite us to their houses are not even going to give us food when we ask them for it nor even open their doors when we knock. We're going to be slaughtered, the Akali leaders are going to be thrown in prison and the entire struggle will be setback decades. We're going to boycott the elections and then we're going to see the big pillars of our movement drop, one by one." Baba Ji's words were nothing less than a prophecy of the bleak future.
The Congress government won the election with a voter turnout of less than 25%. The Hindu voters elected the Congress government on their promise to finish the Sikh Movement.
After the election, the new Chief Minister of Punjab, Beanta and the Punjab Police Chief, KP Gill had a meeting. Beanta made clear that the Movement should be finished at all costs. KP Gill said he could do the job, but he would need complete control over the police with no interference from anyone. No one should object to anything he did based on human rights or anything else. He could do the job, but it would be a bloody mess. Beanta agreed.
KP Gill was given a free hand by the new Chief Minister of Punjab, Beanta. And so began a wave of terror in Punjab that had not even been seen in the reign of the Mughals or Afghans. Entire families of Sikh fighters were murdered in barbaric ways. Families that gave shelter to the Singhs were publicly tortured to death. Villagers no longer knew who the real fighters were and who were the gangs put out by the Indian Security Forces. They became reluctant to open their doors at night.
Baba Gurbachan Singh was married and had three sons. When he began his life underground, Baba Ji wrote a poem for those who were waiting for him. In a part, he wrote:
"Why are you sad friend? Don't bite your lip Try and understand my thoughts. We have left with a hope in our minds. Without fulfilling it, we will not return."
Baba Ji left, knowing that he was sacrificing his family, but he had given his word to sacrifice his all for the cause of Sikh independence. The police first seized Baba Ji's home in Naushera Pannuan and made his family homeless. They made the home a police station.
When the family returned to village Manochahal, the police would harass them every day and take them for interrogation. The police even arrested Baba Ji's eight year old son.
Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji's 70 year old father Bapoo Atma Singh was arrested many times and was then martyred in police custody. His body was never returned. Baba Ji's younger brother, Nirvair Singh was abducted by the police in August 1992 and after a month of unspeakable torture was killed on September 9, 1992 in a fake encounter.
Baba Ji's 12 year old son, Harbrinder Singh was staying with a woman Baba Ji considered his sister, Bibi Parmjeet Kaur. Harbrinder Singh had gone to school one day when, Bibi Parmjeet Kaur was arrested along with her husband and younger son. Bibi Parmjeet Kaur was tortured with electric shocks and the police demanded she tell them where Harbrinder Singh was, but she did not falter and refused to speak. Harbrinder Singh was met at school by Bibi Parmjeet Kaur's brother who took him to a secure place. After that, he spent his childhood going alone from one Dera to another, doing seva and wondering where his family was or if they were even alive.
Baba Ji's mother, 62 year old Mata Gurmej Kaur was also abducted by the police and killed in the fall of 1992. The rest of Baba Ji's family survived by living in hiding.
In total, 43 of Baba Gurbachan Singh's family members were arrested and tortured. They were forced by the police to do an ardaas for Baba Ji's speedy death or capture. The families were kept in illegal custody for nine months. Five of them never returned home. The police wanted that the families of the Sikh fighters would themselves turn in the Singhs or wish for their death so they would be spared further torture.
Just as Baba Gurbachan Singh had predicted, the leaders of the Sikh Resistance Movement began to fall one by one. With human rights no longer a factor, KP Gill ordered his men to slaughter families and torture those who might have information. Bhai Rachhpal Singh Chandran, head of the Malwa Bhindranwala Tiger Force was martyred on June 18, 1992. Bhai Gurjant Singh Budhsinghvala of the Khalistan Liberation Force was martyred on July 31, 1992 and then 10 days later, Bhai Sukhdev Singh Babbar, Jathedar of Babbar Khalsa became a Shaheed.
When Baba Ji heard about the Shaheedee of Bhai Sukhdev Singh Babbar, he was staying with his sister. Baba Ji read the news and tears began to flow from his eyes. His sister had not seen this happen before and asked, "But you used to say that Sukhdev Singh Babbar was opposed to your political stands [The Babbars had supported the election boycott] and now you are crying? What is going on?"
Baba Ji replied, "Yes, I had a strong disagreement with him, but we had the same mission. And he was after all just like my brother."
Baba Ji continued to be very depressed and would not eat. His sister couldn't bear this anymore and brought Baba Ji's mother to check on him. But by the time Mata Gurmej Kaur arrived, Baba Ji had recovered and told her to return home.
The police said many filthy things about Bhai Sukhdev Singh's character. The newspapers were completely in control of the government. No statements from Sikh Organizations were allowed to be printed and any success by Sikh fighters was also not reported. Baba Ji decided that something must be said to defend the memory of his brother, so he released a tape defending Bhai Sukhdev Singh's character.
Baba Gurbachan Singh was now the last Sikh Resistance leader left in Punjab. The others had crossed over to Pakistan and requested that he too should join them. Baba Ji refused. He said that he would never leave the battlefield. How could he ask Singhs to continue the fight if he himself ran away?
Baba Ji was now beginning to run out of hideouts. The police had arrested all those even suspected of knowing him and tortured them all severely. Many hideouts were revealed and Baba Gurbachan Singh's weapons and ammunition seized. Out of the group of people arrested, one Singh, Bhai Harpal Singh, had refused to reveal any information on Baba Ji. The police ripped his body apart with severe torture. There was another man in the group named Didar Singh who even before being hit once revealed everything. The police treated him very well. Now, whenever the police arrested someone with connections to Baba Gurbachan Singh, they brought out both Bhai Harpal Singh and Didar Singh. Bhai Harpal Singh could not stand and his clothes were ripped and bloodied. Didar Singh was dressed in clean fresh clothes and would sit comfortably. The police would say, "Look at both of them. One talked and the other didn't. We found the hideout and arms anyways so it didn't matter. Now it's up to you, what you want to do." Many people who saw this were scared into telling all.
Raids were conducted everywhere to find Baba Gurbachan Singh. Co-ordinated raids took place at the same time at between 40 and 60 different places but still Baba Ji could not be found.
Baba Manochahal was now almost completely alone. The Singhs with him, like Bhai Surjeet Singh Behla were either Shaheed or could not be contacted. No one was willing to keep Baba Ji in their home anymore. So Baba Ji began to spend the cold fall and winter nights in the fields. A Singh that sometimes accompanied Baba Ji in these days tells that even when there were Security Forces patrolling the roads, and Baba Ji was hiding in a nearby field, he would begin to sing, "Sir Ditiaa baajh nahee rehnaa dharm, sir ditiaa baajh nahee rehnNaa" [The faith won't survive without sacrificing our heads]. The Singh would fearfully say, "Baba Ji there are police jeeps parked on the road and your voice is so loud that it's carrying across all the fields."Baba Ji would jokingly reply, "So I should sing louder then..?"
Baba Ji was a poet and even in these dark days continued to write poetry. Even in the thick of battle Baba Ji would write in his diary.
In the final days of 1992 KP Gill issued a call for Baba Gurbachan Singh to surrender. He had no where left to hide and all his companions had been killed. Baba Ji replied, "I don't consider it appropriate to be talking to the pet dogs of Delhi. The Prime Minister and his guards can pick a time and place and then we'll see which side makes the other surrender. I would prefer death to surrender."
In the last week of Februrary 1993, Baba Gurbachan Singh was staying at the house of Bhai Jasbir Singh Kala. On a tip, the police raided the home and Baba Ji quickly slipped into an underground bunker. Jasbir Singh was stripped naked and tortured in the house. The entire family could hear his screams, as could Baba Ji underground. Jasbir Singh did not reveal anything. The police began to search for a bunker and at the spot where the bunker was located, even dug a hole to investigate. After digging a bit, they gave up. Little did they know that Baba Ji was five feet underneath. The police arrested Jasbir Singh and took him away. Later that night, Baba Ji escaped and left for village Baagreeaa.
One of Baba Ji's final remaining companions was Sukhvant Vanchiree. In front of Baba Ji, Sukhvant would be very brave, but behind his back, he would whine that his family would be killed. Baba Ji's sympathizers had told Baba Ji all this and asked that he not trust Sukhvant. Baba Gurbachan Singh could not believe however that such a close companion could ever betray him.
In these final days, Sukhvant asked Baba Ji for a short leave, but never returned.
On February 27, 1993 At 8AM, the police raided village Baareeaa and headed straight for the home where Baba Ji was staying. Baba Ji quickly ran into the bunker that was made in the barn. In the house at the time, there was an older Bibi and her two sons. The Bibi called on her son to cover the bunker. He came and layed the floorboards down and put grass over top.
The police entered the home and immediately grabbed the son's wrist and dragged him to the waiting jeep. The Bibi did not understand whether the police had coincidentally raided their home or someone had tipped them off.
The police officer returned and walked over to the barn and began to check the floor. The Bibi understood now that someone had betrayed Baba Ji. She was terrified for her sons and so she screamed at the officer, "Veera! Watch out and save us as well! There's someone hiding inside!" She had thought that by doing this, her life and the lives of her sons might be saved.
The police officer froze and asked in a quivering voice, "How many?" The Bibi replied, "Just one!" The rest of the police party gathered at the barn and began to move forward. All of a sudden, the floorboards of the barn flew up and Baba Gurbachan Singh appeared. He threw a hand grenade and scattered the security men. Baba Ji had a GPM (General Purpose Machine Gun), an AK 47 and a bag of ammunition swung around his back. He bellowed jaikaray and ran through the police spraying bullets.
Baba Ji sprinted through the fields and tossed his shawl on top of the wheat to throw the police off his trail. The police thought that Baba Ji was hiding in the fields. Jeep after Jeep of Security Forces was arriving and searching every inch of the field, while Baba Ji, who had wrapped a rug around himself to keep warm, made his escape.
Baba Ji borrowed a bicycle and a shawl from some Singhs he met on the way. The Singhs he met say that Baba Ji was completely serene and told them "I just had a gunfight at Baagreeaa. All my equipment and supplies were left behind." Baba Ji said this in such a calm manner that the Singhs thought he was kidding. Among the supplies Baba Ji had left behind was a wireless set that he used to monitor the army and police movements.
The police soon followed on Baba Ji's trail. They were using search dogs who led them to the home of the Singh that had lent Baba Ji his bike. The police slapped the Singh's wife and asked where Baba Gurbachan Singh had gone. She said that she did not know who it was but someone had stolen their bicycle. The farmers in the area were gathered and asked which way Baba Ji had gone. They all were supporters of the Sikh cause and sent Officer Khubi Ram and his party in the wrong direction. All the while, Baba Ji was sitting in a nearby field.
All night, Baba Ji sat alone in the cold field. Late into the night, he left for Sukhvant Vanchiree's in-law's house at village Rataul.
Baba Ji arrived cold and hungry in Rataul. He headed for what he thought was a secure hideout, where he might meet his companion. At Sukhvant's in-law's home, he found only women. Sukhvant had gone out somewhere. Baba Ji was anxious to leave but the women assured Baba Ji that Sukhvant would meet him in the morning.
Sukhvant had been working for the police. The police had given the family a white powder that was to be given to Baba Ji when he came. The police had warned them that if Baba Manochahal came to their house and got away, the entire family would be killed. The women warmed some milk and mixed the powder in it. They gave Baba Ji the glass of milk and he quickly drank it. Baba Ji drank poison from the hands of those he considered his own. The entire Indian Security Force could not do what Baba Ji's own had now done. Baba Ji fell unconscious and then left for his place at the Guru's feet.
The women went to the police station where a jeep filled with families suspected of helping Baba Manochahal was ready to leave for CIA Staff Tarn Taran. The women told the DSP of Police that they had done their work. The jeep was emptied and the families put into cells. The entire Police Party rushed to Ratual.
First they recorded the death of their most dreaded "terrorist" by taking pictures. They ripped Baba Ji's dastaar off his head and dragged him into the grass.
After taking the initial pictures, they pumped bullets into Baba Ji's body so they could report a spectacular "encounter". They then took pictures with Baba Ji's body.
The cowards who had trembled at the name of "Manochahal" were now grabbing Baba Ji by his kesh and laughing. Sukhvant too had arrived to join in the celebration. They fired shots into the air. The dreaded tiger had fallen.
KP Gill flew in from Chandigarh and told reporters an exciting story of how Baba Gurbachan Singh had been surrounded and after a long encounter, was found in a pool of blood. Perhaps he didn't know that the pictures taken by his own police officers would show his tale to be a complete lie.
KP Gill declared, "Today the Khalistan movement has been finished in Punjab."
The police cremated Baba Ji's body themselves and had a distant relative immerse the ashes at Kiratpur Sahib. Only police officers were present for this Sikh Hero's final Ardaas.
For good measure, the police picked up Baba Ji's brother Balwinder Singh on March 16, 1993 and then killed him on March 29. The rest of Baba Ji's family was scattered and in hiding. Years later they would slowly come back together again. Their house in Naushera Pannuan is still in police hands.
The Sikh movement slowly died away. The opponents of the Sikhs had always said that the Sikhs were tigers who could never be tamed. They would never accept slavery. It was either freedom or death. And 10 years have passed now, without a sound. Some say that perhaps the time has finally come when the enemy has shattered the Sikh's unconquerable spirit.
Baba Ji had limitless faith in the Sikhs though. In his final letter he wrote, "This Movement can not be suppressed by anyone. So much blood has been spilt for it that no bargaining can be done now. There are only two paths for us: Takhat (throne) or Takhta (gallows). The Ardaas done at Akal Takhat Sahib, and the Declaration of Khalistan are our promises before Guru Sahib and we will solemnly keep them. The Sikh Sangat should be assured that the Khalsa will be victorious."
Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal was born on June 6, 1954 at village Manochhal in Amritsar district. His parents were Bapoo Atma Singh and Mata Gurmej Kaur. His parents were simple farmers but their family had a heritage of struggle against injustice. Bapoo Atma Singh’s uncle had become shaheed in the Jaito Morcha, marching against the British Raj.
Baba Gurbachan Singh was from childhood a very strong and muscular boy. He enjoyed wrestling and other sports. The family moved from village Manochahal to Naushera Pannuan when Baba Ji was still young because his mother’s brothers had left for Singapore and left behind a large farm that had to be maintained.
Baba Ji was in the tenth grade when once he saw a boy inappropriately teasing and harassing a group of girls. Baba Ji grabbed the troublemaker and beat him badly. The teacher found out and in front of the entire class asked the young Gurbachan Singh to explain why he had beaten the other boy. Baba Ji explained, “Sir, he was harassing the bibis and after all, all women should be like our sisters. So, I couldn’t help myself and I did what I had to.”
The entire class began to laugh at Gurbachan Singh’s use of the word “bibis” for the schoolgirls. The teacher laughed and said, “I see! These girls are “bibis” and you would be the “Baba Ji. All students! From now on, everyone will call Gurbachan Singh, Baba Ji!”
After that day, the nickname “Baba” stuck and everyone began to call him Baba Gurbachan Singh. In the entire area, people began to know him as “Baba Ji”.
Baba Gurbachan Singh completed his education and at his father’s wishes, decided to join the army. Baba Ji was 6”1 and over 200 pounds. The army happily enlisted him as an “A level” recruit.
Even in the army, the name “Baba” Gurbachan Singh stuck. He was known for doing paath and being a devoted Sikh, even though he was not yet Amritdhari. Every day he dedicatedly did his nitnem. One day, as Baba Ji was doing nitnem, he fell into deep samadhi (meditation). The time for the daily military parade came and went and Baba Ji had no awareness of it. The officer in charge of the parade demanded to know where Baba Gurbachan Singh was. The other soldier tried to explain that he was meditating but the Hindu Officer had a bias against Sikhs and refused to understand.
The officer went to Baba Ji and shook him into awareness. Baba Ji apologized for missing the parade and explained he was reciting Gurbani. The officer responded by making fun of the Sikh faith and insulting the Gurus. Baba Ji’s anger couldn’t be controlled and he tackled the officer. His fists flew and the officer shrieked for someone to help him. The other Sikh soldiers watching did nothing as they knew how much the officer hated Sikhs. The beating continued for some time when finally other officers came and stopped Baba Ji. Baba Ji had broken the Hindu officer’s arm and his nose.
Baba Gurbachan Singh was arrested and court martialled. After a year of prison, Baba Ji left the army and returned home with a desire to dedicate his life to Sikhi.
Although Baba Gurbachan Singh did nitnem and had a love for Sikhi, he was still not Amritdhari. Baba Ji always attended programs by various Sants and one day he found out that Sant Kartar Singh Bhindranwale would be coming to his village for a program. Baba Ji was very moved by the katha and wanted to speak with Sant Kartar Singh. Sant Ji encouraged him to become Amritdhari and so Baba Ji did so within just a few days.
After receiving the gift of Amrit, Baba Gurbachan Singh decided to travel with Jatha Bhindra(n). He became very close to Sant Kartar Singh and also learned Gurbani Santhiya and Katha. Baba Ji had memorized many banis and had a very long daily nitnem which he began very early at Amrit vela.
After the passing of Sant Kartar Singh, Sant Jarnail Singh became the next jathedar of the Jatha and Baba Ji was also very close to him.
In the 1970s, the Indian government sponsored Nirankari cult began to come to the forefront and publicly derided the Sikh faith and insulted the Sikh Gurus. The cult chief, Gurbachana was known to have said insulting thinks like “Guru Gobind Singh made the punj pyaray, I’ll make the sat sitaray”. He also insulted Guru Granth Sahib.
On April 13, 1978, the Nirankaris had a march through Amritsar in which slogans against the Sikh religion were shouted. Singhs from the Akhand Kirtani Jatha and Jatha Bhindra(n) marched peacefully against the Nirankaris but were brutally attacked. 13 Singhs were martyred and many more were injured. Baba Gurbachan Singh had also taken part in this march and was shot in the arm.
When the Nirankaris continued with their insulting parchaar and were protected by the Indian Government, the Singhs began to punish the Nirankaris themselves and Baba Gurbachan Singh also wanted to join this movement. When he asked Sant Jarnail Singh for permission, Sant Ji kept saying that Guru Sahib was to take a very big seva from him yet. Sant Jarnail Singh asked Baba Gurbachan Singh to return to his village of Naushera Pannuan and direct the building of Gurdwara Baba Dhanna Singh Kaviraj there. Baba Ji accepted this hukam and returned to his village, but visited Sant Ji regularly even after.
Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal’s relationship with Sant Jarnail Singh was very close. Once, someone in Naushera Pannuan made the accusation that Baba Gurbachan Singh didn’t even know Sant Jarnail Singh and was using his name for his own purposes. Baba Ji gathered the Sangat and traveled to Amritsar to disprove this allegation. Baba Ji and the Sangat went to the roof of Guru Ram Das Langar and when Baba Ji told Sant Jarnail Singh about what had been said, Sant Ji replied, “Gurbachan Singh is so near to me that he can cut off my head and take it away if he wants…”
When in 1982, Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale had gone to Bombay, the Indian Government thought it was the perfect time to capture him. The police surrounded the area and when Sant Ji received word of this he thought of a clever ruse. Baba Gurbachan Singh, who had been traveling with the Jatha, was about the same height as Sant Ji and wore the same style of clothes. He covered his face and lay down in Sant Ji’s bed so those watching would be fooled. Until Sant Ji had made his escape, Baba Gurbachan Singh continued to lie in bed and when he finally got up, the government agents were shocked and disappointed that their opportunity to arrest Sant Ji had passed.
Later when Baba Gurbachan Singh would volunteer for different missions to punish the enemies of the Panth like Bhajan Lal and various police officers, Sant Jarnail Singh would always say, “these are all small jobs for you. I am going to take a very big seva from you eventually…”
The Gurdwara in Naushera Pannuan where Baba Ji did seva was regulary visited by Singhs serving in the Movement.
As the days of the attack seemed to be drawing nearer, Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale sent a message to Baba Gurbachan Singh for him to come meet him at Sri Darbar Sahib. Baba Gurbachan Singh was waiting for the opportunity. Sant Ji met Baba Ji very warmly and told him that an attack on Sri Darbar Sahib was imminent. Baba Ji requested that finally this time his seva should be accepted and he would join Singhs in defending the Complex and become Shaheed. But Sant Ji knew that this Singh would one day be a General that would shake all of India. Sant Ji said that not all the Singhs should be Shaheed in the attack. That after the attack the struggle must continue and it would no longer be a struggle for greater water rights or concessions from the Center, it would only be for independence. For Khalsa Raj. Baba Ji vowed to give his all in the fight for the Panth and for sovereignty. Sant Jarnail Singh gave Baba Gurbachan Singh a siropa and lovingly ordered him to return to his village and not return until summoned. Baba Ji knew this would be their final meeting.
The attack took place and the Singhs defending Darbar Sahib became Shaheed after wreaking havoc on the Indian Army. Baba Gurbachan Singh knew that the “big seva” Sant Ji had spoken of was now at hand.
Even before the 1984 attack, Baba Gurbachan Singh was a wanted man. The security forces knew he was close to Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and committed to the Sikh nation. As early as 1980 the police had once surrounded Gurdwara Baba Dhanna Singh in Naushera Pannuan where Baba Ji was doing seva and ordered Baba Ji to surrender. Baba Ji told the police party that he would change his clothes first. He went inside his room and came out with a big kirpaan. Taking it out of its sheath, Baba Ji bellowed, "Whoever has got the courage can come and arrest me". The police party was terrified and no one approached. By this time the village Sangat had also assempled and the Police were forced to return to their stations empty-handed.
In 1981 Baba Ji had begun to carry a revolver and knew that the Sikh struggle would have to resort to arms.
Baba Ji's heart was breaking when news of the attack on Darbar Sahib arrived. He was wishing that he too could join his fellow Singhs in defence but he was bound by Sant Jarnail Singh Ji's orders. He knew Sant Ji wanted him to organize the Sikh Freedom movement after the attack.
When villagers began to march towards Sri Darbar Sahib Baba Ji understood their pain, but knew this would be fruitless. Thousands of Sikhs had risen up from the villages and had been mowed down by the army. Baba Ji sent messages everywhere that marching on Amritsar without any weapons was useless. They should wait for weapons and then together, with a set strategy, they would fight the government. In this way Baba Gurbachan Singh saved many lives and laid the foundation for the future movement.
After the attack, those Singhs who were close to Sant Jarnail Singh and were ready to take on the government began to have secret meetings. Reporter Dalbir Singh was a well-educated journalist who knew Sant Jarnail Singh very well. He gathered with the remaining Singhs like Manbeer Singh Chaheru (General, Khalistan Commando Force) and others and told them that a fight for Khalistan would not be useful. He said that there were not enough Singhs to fight and the Indian government had a security force that could not be defeated so easily. The other Singhs began to discuss with Dalbir Singh about what could be done. When Baba Manochahal was asked for his opinion, he said plainly, "Bhaji, the government and its agents have oppressed the Sikhs. They've dishonored our mothers and sisters. We are going to take justice for that. Regarding all these political issues you're talking about, you can deal with them as you see fit." There was no discussion left. Baba Ji was determined to keep his promise of fighting for Sikh freedom.
Through 1985, Baba Gurbachan Singh began to organize the Singhs to fight against Indian oppression. He made speeches and created popular support for an armed movement.
The police were on Baba Ji's trail and once even managed to capture him. The CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) had sideswiped Baba Ji's motorcycle one night and then after tying him, threw him in their Jeep. Baba Ji managed to untie himself and after pushing his captors, jumped from the moving jeep. He ran through the fields and managed to escape.
This was just the beginning. Baba Ji's true life as an outlaw would begin after a battle in his own home village Manochahal. Baba Ji had gone to meet his family and was to spend the night in a small hut in the fields when someone informed the police. Baba Ji and his brother Bhai Mohinder Singh were asleep when the police party surrounded the hut. The head of the police party knocked on the door and shouted for Baba Manochahal to surrender. Baba Manochahal knew that the situation was dire and decided to buy some time. He demanded that the village head (sarpanch) be summoned and only then would he come out.
The police brought the sarpanch and when the sarpanch went to speak with Baba Gurbachan Singh, he tried to explain that the hut was completely surrounded. The Police again demanded that Baba Ji open the door. The sarpanch was asked to stand aside. Baba Ji then yelled from inside, "Give me a flashlight" The police were confused and asked "Why do you need it?" Baba Ji replied, "We've locked the door from the inside and need it so we can see the lock!" The police passed a torch through the space under the door. Baba Ji and his brother armed their assault rifles and set them on "burst". Baba Ji threw open the door and began to fire. The CRPF officer at the door fell immediately and the others also came under fire. The Bihari officers began to run in all directions, screaming "Run ! They're going to kill us!"
Baba Ji and his brother jumped over the officers who were still lying in position. A Punjab Police officer tried to tackle Baba Ji as he was running but also failed. Baba Ji had wreaked havoc on the police and escaped. One officer thought Baba Ji was chasing him and for kilometers ran in front of Baba Ji. Baba Gurbachan Singh did not harm the poor police officer and let him go.
By 1986, the Sikh Freedom movement had begun and a five member Panthic Committee was formed to give the movement direction. The Singhs choosing the Committee were all affiliated with Damdami Taksal and had chosen five Singhs also affiliated with Taksal. Baba Gurbachan Singh requested that at least one Singh from Babbar Khalsa be chosen and he would give up his own spot if needed. The other Singhs did not agree and the Committee was announced. Baba Gurbachan Singh felt that without including all members of the struggle, regardless of their Jathedbandi, the Committee would not accomplish all it would have, but he continued on as a member.
A Sarbat Khalsa was called on January 26, 1986 in which the Panthic Committee was announced to the Sikh Panth. The five members were Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal, Wassan Singh Zaffarwal, Bhai Dhanna Singh, Bhai Aroor Singh (Shaheed) and Bhai Gurdev Singh Usmanvala (Shaheed). Bhai Gurdev Singh Kaunke was appointed acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. The Sarkar Takhat that was built by the Indian Government to stand in place of the destroyed Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib was also ordered to be destroyed. The kar seva of the new Akal Takhat building began that day.
On April 29, 1986 the Panthic Committee called a press conference at Sri Darbar Sahib and made the declaration of an independent Sikh nation, Khalistan.
Baba Gurbachan Singh along with the other Singhs had gone into Darbar Sahib undercover. Baba Ji tied his beard and took on the appearance of a lawyer, complete with briefcase.
On April 30, Bhai Gurdev Singh was arrested and Baba Gurbachan Singh was appointed acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. In the period that followed it was always confusing who was Jathedar as this position changed quite frequently. Baba Ji was once again appointed Jathedar on October 23, 1987.
It was at this time that Baba Gurbachan Singh emerged as head of a new organization: The Bhindranvala Tiger Force for Khalistan (BTFK). Some top lieutenants who worked with Baba Ji were Bhai Sukhwinder Singh Sangha, Bhai Satnam Singh Chheena and Bhai Surjeet Singh Behla. Baba Ji's brother Bhai Mohinder Singh also was a close associate.
Baba Manochahal decided to make a trip to Pakistan to secure arms for the Singhs. In his absence, he appointed Bhai Mohinder Singh to supervise operations. When arms arrived, Bhai Mohinder Singh and Bhai Sukhwinder Singh had a disagreement about the distribution and both parted company.
The touts of the Indian Government decided to make use of this disagreement. They tricked some Singhs working under Bhai Sangha into shooting Bhai Mohinder Singh. They were told he was a goon and terrorizing the common people. Without checking on who they were attacking, the foolish recruits ended up shooting Bhai Mohinder Singh.
Baba Gurbachan Singh returned to Punjab to find out what had happened and many Singhs blamed Bhai Sangha for the death and asked that Baba Ji take revenge. Baba Ji asked for an explanation from Bhai Sukhwinder Singh and then after hearing the story simply said, "What's done is done. In the future be sure about who it is you're going to shoot." The Singhs in the Jathebandi were shocked that Baba Ji would let his brother's death go unpunished but Baba Ji insisted that the mission was Khalistan and to get caught in small personal battles was self-defeating. Bhai Sangha eventually left the Majha area and operated out of Malwa independent of Baba Ji. When eventually Bhai Sangha was martyred, Baba Gurbachan Singh expressed his sadness and when others Singhs pointed out that Sangha had left the Jathebandi, Baba Ji said, "our goal was the same. Everyone makes mistakes and we should over look them."
In the early days of the movement, Baba Gurbachan Singh kept a hideout in the swamps of the Mand area. Here he set up some huts and also a separate hut for Guru Granth Sahib. Baba Ji would sleep on the floor and every day wake up at Amrit vela and do two hours of naam abhyaas. After, he would complete his very long nitnem and do sehaj paath from Guru Granth Sahib. Baba Ji daily completed five Sukhmani Sahibs even in the thick of battle.
After his morning paath Baba Ji would read up to seven different newspapers to keep aware of events and government propoganda. He would plan strategic strikes that would weaken India's hold on Punjab and break the occupier's confidence.
During this time, Baba Ji even had Amrit Sanchaars at this small dera for those who wanted to become Khalsa.
In Punjab you will see that at every half kilometer, there is the grave of a Muslim Pir (saint). These graves are often not even real and made just to make money. Ignorant Hindus and Sikhs even worship these graves and when going past them, villagers are very afraid.
Once Baba Gurbachan Singh and another Singh were passing the grave of "Gainda Shah". The Singh with Baba Ji stopped at the grave and because of fear, offered his respects. Baba Ji stood afar and watched all this. When the Singh was finished, Baba Ji took off his shoe, walked to the grave and began to hit it. The other Singh was terrified and shocked. But when nothing happened, and Baba Ji walked away without a word, that Singh and other villagers watching understood that the graves had no power.
In Naushera Pannuan, there is a grave of a Pir that is considered holy by mothers with sons. They give their sons first pay to those looking after the grave. Baba Ji's mother also once went to the grave and offered prayers for Baba Ji's protection and gave Rs. 500. Baba Ji found out about this. When he went home to visit his family one night after his return from Pakistan, his sister-in-law asked, "Do Muslims also come to matha tek at Nankana Sahib?" Baba Ji angrily replied, "Muslims aren't idiots like you who leave their own places of worship and wander about elsewhere." The family understood what Baba Ji was referring to.
Baba Ji used to also speak against fake Sants. One such Sant was thought to have magical powers. A Singh asked Baba Ji, "Don't you feel afraid talking badly about that Sant? Aren't you afraid of being cursed?" Baba Ji replied, "If Guru Gobind Singh's Singhs start getting effected by the curses of these Sadhs, then what point is there in being a Singh? If these curses did effect us, I'd take my kirpan and give it back to Guru Sahib and ask him what was the point of being his Singh if we still have to fear fake Sadhs like that."
Baba Gurbachan Singh was becoming the head of a very powerful force and the people of Punjab were giving them all possible support. In the plains of Punjab, a guerrilla movement is almost impossible unless the people are willing to hide and shelter the fighters. Rural Punjab was almost completely under the control of the Singhs and the Indian Security Forces were afraid to even go near them.
Baba Manochahal was respected as being one of the most wise Generals in the movement. Baba Manochahal was very opposed to waste. When in an encounter, he would stay very calm and only fire when he was sure the bullet would be effective. He once said to Bhai Surjit Singh Behla, "In an eight hour encounter I fired a total of 150 rounds. You Singhs fire so many rounds for no reason at all."
When once some Singhs of a different group killed a police informant and his entire family, Baba Manochahal met the leader of the group and said, "If he was an informant then you should have eliminated just him. Why did you kill his children..?"
Baba Ji never killed a Hindu for just being a Hindu. He was completely opposed to pointless killing. In a meeting of Singhs Baba Ji explained, "A child is born and then it takes at least 18 years for him to become a man. It cannot be called humanity to mow him down based on a decision made in just a few seconds. It's important to give people at least three chances to correct themselves.
The government was becoming afraid that Punjab was slipping from their grasp. They decided to change the way in which the battle was being fought. New groups were formed under the direction of various police officers. These groups dressed like Singhs but went into villages to loot, rape and kill. After performing their disgusting deeds, they would shout Khalistan slogans and leave. The government also began to spread falsehood about Baba Manochahal that he was involved in rapes and looting and even that he had links to the government.
But all these stories were false. Baba Ji always treated all women as sisters. Once the Singhs kidnapped a police officer and his wife in order to secure the release of some captured Singhs. When the police kidnapped or arrested Singh's women family members, they were abused with filthy language and often even raped. Baba Manochahal treated the police officer's wife like a sister and when the couple was released, just like a brother sends away his real sister, Baba Ji gave her a new suit.
The government itself had spread the rumor that Baba Manochahal had links with Buta Singh, a Congress Minister. It said that Baba Ji was not being caught because he was staying in Buta Singh's mansion and receiving shelter there. There was of course no truth to this. Baba Gurbachan Singh used to spend his nights in fields or families houses. He traveled by bicycyle or by foot most often and lived a very simple life. Once it was raining and Baba Ji was sitting in a sugar cane field. He had spread a plastic sheet over top, but it was beginning to leak. A Singh came to meet him and Baba Ji laughed, "Welcome! Come and see Buta Singh's mansion. Wipe your feet outside or you'll muddy the rugs."
Bhai Satwant Singh and Bhai Kehar Singh were hung for the assassination of Indira Gandhi on January 6, 1989. All Sikh Resistance Movement fighters organized a common Akhand Paath Sahib in their memory. Bhai Vadhava Singh Babbar sang the shabad "Sajan meray ranglay" in a very moving way and all the Singhs became emotional. All the Movement leaders were present: Bhai Vadhava Singh, Bhai Gurjant Singh Budhsinghwala, Bhai Parmjeet Singh Panjwar, Bhai Charanjit Singh Channi and others.
Some attempts were being made at having unity between the different groups. But as is the case with all Sikhs, there were serious differences and the Indian government too had succeeded in some ways at creating distrust. There were whispers that perhaps Baba Manochahal really was a government agent and maybe he really did allow raping and looting. As the discussions were continuing, Baba Manochahal stood up and declared, "I, Manochahal, have been accused of a lot things. I'm a government agent, I'm a looter, I'm also friends with Buta Singh. Apparently I've bought a lot of land in UP (using the Panth's money). But I want to say that wherever you find this land, you can distribute it in the Panth. My fight is dedicated to Sant Ji's words and I won't back down from that, regardless of whether my family is finished and my children are cut to pieces in front of me. If Banda Singh Bahadur could have his child's heart put in his mouth, why can't I? I also tasted the same Guru's amrit. I could be accused of anything and I wouldn't care. All I care is that my Kalgeeya wala is not disappointed with me and then for all I care, the entire world can be angry.
One of the most famous battles in the history of the modern Sikh Movement took place in village Rataul. Baba Manochahal and some companions were staying in this village when it was cordoned off by the police. One Singh was resting a house, different than the one being used by Baba Manochahal, when the police entered. The Singh entered an underground bunker. The police became suspicious since a set of muddy foot prints could be seen leading to a corner and then mysteriously disappeared. When they went to the corner and moved a drum of flour, the entrance to the bunker became visible. Right away, the Singh inside opened fire and dropped the entire group. The cowardly Indians began to run in different directions and the Singh managed to escape from that house. Word was sent to Baba Manochahal that the village was surrounded and he should escape. Baba Ji along with his body guard broke the cordon and escaped.
Inside the village, 5 Singhs gathered at a house where they had made a concrete bunker. They had decided to show the police what a real encounter was like. The army along with police divisions from Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran and Batala surrounded the area. The Singhs were well armed and had sniper rifles as well.
A DIG of the police was trying to lead his men and give them courage to fight when the Singhs shot him dead. The loss of such a high ranking officer demoralized the already scared troops. The Singhs continued to bellow jaikaray from inside the bunker as they fought. Police officers attempted to pick up the body, but each time were forced to retreat under fire. The body lying there continued to demoralize them.
The Singhs fought for a total of 72 hours. The Security forces had lost so many men that it could no longer stand to fight anymore. They ordered a helicopter and had the bunker bombed. The five Singhs inside were all Shaheed but showed they showed the world that Guru Gobind Singh's words "Sava lakh say ik larau" are still true.
The Indian Centre ordered elections for Punjab on February 19, 1992. A group of Sikh fighters under the Panthic Committee headed by Dr. Sohan Singh ordered the Sikhs to boycott the elections. Baba Gurbachan Singh on the other hand wanted the Sikhs to take part in the elections and by electing Panthic Singhs, show that the will of the people was Khalistan. Once a Panthic government was formed in Punjab, it could pass a motion for independence and show that Khalistan was the will of the people. Even if such a government were dismissed by the Centre, the will of the people would have been expressed as being in favour of independence.
Baba Manochahl's stand was criticized by many and Dr. Sohan Singh called him an agent of the government. Baba Ji replied, "The time will come when the Panth will know who is a government agent and who is not. But that time is unfortunately not going to come any time soon." Dr. Sohan Singh is still alive today, walking a free man on the streets of Chandigarh.
Some misguided fighters went so far as to attack Baba Ji's family in their home. Baba Ji's companions asked him to reply to this attack in kind but Baba Ji simply said, "If they are making a mistake, should I make a mistake just like them too? The government already wants that we should fight and kill each other. Should we help the government by fighting each other?" Baba Ji kept encouraging the Sikh Movement leaders to not boycott the election saying that if they participated they would clearly win but if they did not, Baba Ji said, "it's like taking off our shoe and handing it over to our enemy to beat us over the head with. Singhs! Please don't make this mistake".
But short sightedness resulted in a boycott of the Punjab elections. Baba Ji lamented, "The election boycott is going to have a deadly effect on us. It's going to throw the Sikh Movement decades behind. Just watch, those people who today are considering it an honour to invite us to their houses are not even going to give us food when we ask them for it nor even open their doors when we knock. We're going to be slaughtered, the Akali leaders are going to be thrown in prison and the entire struggle will be setback decades. We're going to boycott the elections and then we're going to see the big pillars of our movement drop, one by one." Baba Ji's words were nothing less than a prophecy of the bleak future.
The Congress government won the election with a voter turnout of less than 25%. The Hindu voters elected the Congress government on their promise to finish the Sikh Movement.
After the election, the new Chief Minister of Punjab, Beanta and the Punjab Police Chief, KP Gill had a meeting. Beanta made clear that the Movement should be finished at all costs. KP Gill said he could do the job, but he would need complete control over the police with no interference from anyone. No one should object to anything he did based on human rights or anything else. He could do the job, but it would be a bloody mess. Beanta agreed.
KP Gill was given a free hand by the new Chief Minister of Punjab, Beanta. And so began a wave of terror in Punjab that had not even been seen in the reign of the Mughals or Afghans. Entire families of Sikh fighters were murdered in barbaric ways. Families that gave shelter to the Singhs were publicly tortured to death. Villagers no longer knew who the real fighters were and who were the gangs put out by the Indian Security Forces. They became reluctant to open their doors at night.
Baba Gurbachan Singh was married and had three sons. When he began his life underground, Baba Ji wrote a poem for those who were waiting for him. In a part, he wrote:
"Why are you sad friend? Don't bite your lip Try and understand my thoughts. We have left with a hope in our minds. Without fulfilling it, we will not return."
Baba Ji left, knowing that he was sacrificing his family, but he had given his word to sacrifice his all for the cause of Sikh independence. The police first seized Baba Ji's home in Naushera Pannuan and made his family homeless. They made the home a police station.
When the family returned to village Manochahal, the police would harass them every day and take them for interrogation. The police even arrested Baba Ji's eight year old son.
Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji's 70 year old father Bapoo Atma Singh was arrested many times and was then martyred in police custody. His body was never returned. Baba Ji's younger brother, Nirvair Singh was abducted by the police in August 1992 and after a month of unspeakable torture was killed on September 9, 1992 in a fake encounter.
Baba Ji's 12 year old son, Harbrinder Singh was staying with a woman Baba Ji considered his sister, Bibi Parmjeet Kaur. Harbrinder Singh had gone to school one day when, Bibi Parmjeet Kaur was arrested along with her husband and younger son. Bibi Parmjeet Kaur was tortured with electric shocks and the police demanded she tell them where Harbrinder Singh was, but she did not falter and refused to speak. Harbrinder Singh was met at school by Bibi Parmjeet Kaur's brother who took him to a secure place. After that, he spent his childhood going alone from one Dera to another, doing seva and wondering where his family was or if they were even alive.
Baba Ji's mother, 62 year old Mata Gurmej Kaur was also abducted by the police and killed in the fall of 1992. The rest of Baba Ji's family survived by living in hiding.
In total, 43 of Baba Gurbachan Singh's family members were arrested and tortured. They were forced by the police to do an ardaas for Baba Ji's speedy death or capture. The families were kept in illegal custody for nine months. Five of them never returned home. The police wanted that the families of the Sikh fighters would themselves turn in the Singhs or wish for their death so they would be spared further torture.
Just as Baba Gurbachan Singh had predicted, the leaders of the Sikh Resistance Movement began to fall one by one. With human rights no longer a factor, KP Gill ordered his men to slaughter families and torture those who might have information. Bhai Rachhpal Singh Chandran, head of the Malwa Bhindranwala Tiger Force was martyred on June 18, 1992. Bhai Gurjant Singh Budhsinghvala of the Khalistan Liberation Force was martyred on July 31, 1992 and then 10 days later, Bhai Sukhdev Singh Babbar, Jathedar of Babbar Khalsa became a Shaheed.
When Baba Ji heard about the Shaheedee of Bhai Sukhdev Singh Babbar, he was staying with his sister. Baba Ji read the news and tears began to flow from his eyes. His sister had not seen this happen before and asked, "But you used to say that Sukhdev Singh Babbar was opposed to your political stands [The Babbars had supported the election boycott] and now you are crying? What is going on?"
Baba Ji replied, "Yes, I had a strong disagreement with him, but we had the same mission. And he was after all just like my brother."
Baba Ji continued to be very depressed and would not eat. His sister couldn't bear this anymore and brought Baba Ji's mother to check on him. But by the time Mata Gurmej Kaur arrived, Baba Ji had recovered and told her to return home.
The police said many filthy things about Bhai Sukhdev Singh's character. The newspapers were completely in control of the government. No statements from Sikh Organizations were allowed to be printed and any success by Sikh fighters was also not reported. Baba Ji decided that something must be said to defend the memory of his brother, so he released a tape defending Bhai Sukhdev Singh's character.
Baba Gurbachan Singh was now the last Sikh Resistance leader left in Punjab. The others had crossed over to Pakistan and requested that he too should join them. Baba Ji refused. He said that he would never leave the battlefield. How could he ask Singhs to continue the fight if he himself ran away?
Baba Ji was now beginning to run out of hideouts. The police had arrested all those even suspected of knowing him and tortured them all severely. Many hideouts were revealed and Baba Gurbachan Singh's weapons and ammunition seized. Out of the group of people arrested, one Singh, Bhai Harpal Singh, had refused to reveal any information on Baba Ji. The police ripped his body apart with severe torture. There was another man in the group named Didar Singh who even before being hit once revealed everything. The police treated him very well. Now, whenever the police arrested someone with connections to Baba Gurbachan Singh, they brought out both Bhai Harpal Singh and Didar Singh. Bhai Harpal Singh could not stand and his clothes were ripped and bloodied. Didar Singh was dressed in clean fresh clothes and would sit comfortably. The police would say, "Look at both of them. One talked and the other didn't. We found the hideout and arms anyways so it didn't matter. Now it's up to you, what you want to do." Many people who saw this were scared into telling all.
Raids were conducted everywhere to find Baba Gurbachan Singh. Co-ordinated raids took place at the same time at between 40 and 60 different places but still Baba Ji could not be found.
Baba Manochahal was now almost completely alone. The Singhs with him, like Bhai Surjeet Singh Behla were either Shaheed or could not be contacted. No one was willing to keep Baba Ji in their home anymore. So Baba Ji began to spend the cold fall and winter nights in the fields. A Singh that sometimes accompanied Baba Ji in these days tells that even when there were Security Forces patrolling the roads, and Baba Ji was hiding in a nearby field, he would begin to sing, "Sir Ditiaa baajh nahee rehnaa dharm, sir ditiaa baajh nahee rehnNaa" [The faith won't survive without sacrificing our heads]. The Singh would fearfully say, "Baba Ji there are police jeeps parked on the road and your voice is so loud that it's carrying across all the fields."Baba Ji would jokingly reply, "So I should sing louder then..?"
Baba Ji was a poet and even in these dark days continued to write poetry. Even in the thick of battle Baba Ji would write in his diary.
In the final days of 1992 KP Gill issued a call for Baba Gurbachan Singh to surrender. He had no where left to hide and all his companions had been killed. Baba Ji replied, "I don't consider it appropriate to be talking to the pet dogs of Delhi. The Prime Minister and his guards can pick a time and place and then we'll see which side makes the other surrender. I would prefer death to surrender."
In the last week of Februrary 1993, Baba Gurbachan Singh was staying at the house of Bhai Jasbir Singh Kala. On a tip, the police raided the home and Baba Ji quickly slipped into an underground bunker. Jasbir Singh was stripped naked and tortured in the house. The entire family could hear his screams, as could Baba Ji underground. Jasbir Singh did not reveal anything. The police began to search for a bunker and at the spot where the bunker was located, even dug a hole to investigate. After digging a bit, they gave up. Little did they know that Baba Ji was five feet underneath. The police arrested Jasbir Singh and took him away. Later that night, Baba Ji escaped and left for village Baagreeaa.
One of Baba Ji's final remaining companions was Sukhvant Vanchiree. In front of Baba Ji, Sukhvant would be very brave, but behind his back, he would whine that his family would be killed. Baba Ji's sympathizers had told Baba Ji all this and asked that he not trust Sukhvant. Baba Gurbachan Singh could not believe however that such a close companion could ever betray him.
In these final days, Sukhvant asked Baba Ji for a short leave, but never returned.
On February 27, 1993 At 8AM, the police raided village Baareeaa and headed straight for the home where Baba Ji was staying. Baba Ji quickly ran into the bunker that was made in the barn. In the house at the time, there was an older Bibi and her two sons. The Bibi called on her son to cover the bunker. He came and layed the floorboards down and put grass over top.
The police entered the home and immediately grabbed the son's wrist and dragged him to the waiting jeep. The Bibi did not understand whether the police had coincidentally raided their home or someone had tipped them off.
The police officer returned and walked over to the barn and began to check the floor. The Bibi understood now that someone had betrayed Baba Ji. She was terrified for her sons and so she screamed at the officer, "Veera! Watch out and save us as well! There's someone hiding inside!" She had thought that by doing this, her life and the lives of her sons might be saved.
The police officer froze and asked in a quivering voice, "How many?" The Bibi replied, "Just one!" The rest of the police party gathered at the barn and began to move forward. All of a sudden, the floorboards of the barn flew up and Baba Gurbachan Singh appeared. He threw a hand grenade and scattered the security men. Baba Ji had a GPM (General Purpose Machine Gun), an AK 47 and a bag of ammunition swung around his back. He bellowed jaikaray and ran through the police spraying bullets.
Baba Ji sprinted through the fields and tossed his shawl on top of the wheat to throw the police off his trail. The police thought that Baba Ji was hiding in the fields. Jeep after Jeep of Security Forces was arriving and searching every inch of the field, while Baba Ji, who had wrapped a rug around himself to keep warm, made his escape.
Baba Ji borrowed a bicycle and a shawl from some Singhs he met on the way. The Singhs he met say that Baba Ji was completely serene and told them "I just had a gunfight at Baagreeaa. All my equipment and supplies were left behind." Baba Ji said this in such a calm manner that the Singhs thought he was kidding. Among the supplies Baba Ji had left behind was a wireless set that he used to monitor the army and police movements.
The police soon followed on Baba Ji's trail. They were using search dogs who led them to the home of the Singh that had lent Baba Ji his bike. The police slapped the Singh's wife and asked where Baba Gurbachan Singh had gone. She said that she did not know who it was but someone had stolen their bicycle. The farmers in the area were gathered and asked which way Baba Ji had gone. They all were supporters of the Sikh cause and sent Officer Khubi Ram and his party in the wrong direction. All the while, Baba Ji was sitting in a nearby field.
All night, Baba Ji sat alone in the cold field. Late into the night, he left for Sukhvant Vanchiree's in-law's house at village Rataul.
Baba Ji arrived cold and hungry in Rataul. He headed for what he thought was a secure hideout, where he might meet his companion. At Sukhvant's in-law's home, he found only women. Sukhvant had gone out somewhere. Baba Ji was anxious to leave but the women assured Baba Ji that Sukhvant would meet him in the morning.
Sukhvant had been working for the police. The police had given the family a white powder that was to be given to Baba Ji when he came. The police had warned them that if Baba Manochahal came to their house and got away, the entire family would be killed. The women warmed some milk and mixed the powder in it. They gave Baba Ji the glass of milk and he quickly drank it. Baba Ji drank poison from the hands of those he considered his own. The entire Indian Security Force could not do what Baba Ji's own had now done. Baba Ji fell unconscious and then left for his place at the Guru's feet.
The women went to the police station where a jeep filled with families suspected of helping Baba Manochahal was ready to leave for CIA Staff Tarn Taran. The women told the DSP of Police that they had done their work. The jeep was emptied and the families put into cells. The entire Police Party rushed to Ratual.
First they recorded the death of their most dreaded "terrorist" by taking pictures. They ripped Baba Ji's dastaar off his head and dragged him into the grass.
After taking the initial pictures, they pumped bullets into Baba Ji's body so they could report a spectacular "encounter". They then took pictures with Baba Ji's body.
The cowards who had trembled at the name of "Manochahal" were now grabbing Baba Ji by his kesh and laughing. Sukhvant too had arrived to join in the celebration. They fired shots into the air. The dreaded tiger had fallen.
KP Gill flew in from Chandigarh and told reporters an exciting story of how Baba Gurbachan Singh had been surrounded and after a long encounter, was found in a pool of blood. Perhaps he didn't know that the pictures taken by his own police officers would show his tale to be a complete lie.
KP Gill declared, "Today the Khalistan movement has been finished in Punjab."
The police cremated Baba Ji's body themselves and had a distant relative immerse the ashes at Kiratpur Sahib. Only police officers were present for this Sikh Hero's final Ardaas.
For good measure, the police picked up Baba Ji's brother Balwinder Singh on March 16, 1993 and then killed him on March 29. The rest of Baba Ji's family was scattered and in hiding. Years later they would slowly come back together again. Their house in Naushera Pannuan is still in police hands.
The Sikh movement slowly died away. The opponents of the Sikhs had always said that the Sikhs were tigers who could never be tamed. They would never accept slavery. It was either freedom or death. And 10 years have passed now, without a sound. Some say that perhaps the time has finally come when the enemy has shattered the Sikh's unconquerable spirit.
Baba Ji had limitless faith in the Sikhs though. In his final letter he wrote, "This Movement can not be suppressed by anyone. So much blood has been spilt for it that no bargaining can be done now. There are only two paths for us: Takhat (throne) or Takhta (gallows). The Ardaas done at Akal Takhat Sahib, and the Declaration of Khalistan are our promises before Guru Sahib and we will solemnly keep them. The Sikh Sangat should be assured that the Khalsa will be victorious."
Shaheed Bhai Baljinder Singh Chaunkiman
Shaheed Bhai Baljinder Singh Chaunkiman was born into the household of Bapu Gurmail Singh & Mata Dalbeer Kaur. Bhai Sahib at a very young age became interested in Sikh affairs and would often read the Sikh awareness magazines of that time with a great deal of passion. Bhai Baljinder Singh was in the 9th grade when he left school to join the ranks of Sant Jarnail Singh and began to take an active role in the Dharam Yudh Morcha. Bhai Baljinder Singh was very highly influenced by Sant Jarnail Singh. With this the whole atmosphere of the house changed, with Gurbani recitations and Shabads being played non-stop, the household became one with a deep religious environment.
From childhood Bhai Sahib was a gentle, quiet and sensitive natured person. Bhai Sahib could not bear watching atrocities being carried out on innocents. Upon listening to the widely spread audio cassettes of Sant Jarnail Singh’s speeches with regards to discrimination against Sikhs, Bhai Sahib’s developed an intense passion and desire to help the Sikh community and would often discuss this with his friends. Some family members opposed to Bhai Sahib’s views, Bhai Sahib left his home and headed towards Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar.
Upon reaching Sri Darbar Sahib, initially Bhai Sahib met with a group of Gursikhs of the Babbar Khalsa Jathebandi, but began staying with Sant Jarnail Singh and his Jatha. When Sant Jarnail Singh first saw Bhai Sahib, Sant Ji told Bhai Sahib to return to his home as he was too young; however Bhai Sahib was adamant that he wished to stay with the Jatha. Sant Jarnail Singh admired Bhai Sahib’s dedication and let Bhai Sahib stay and told him to write a letter to his family to let them know of his whereabouts. Bhai Sahib wrote home stating that he was in a safe place and had found himself a great job.
Bhai Sahib came home to visit his family around 10-15 days before Operation Bluestar, but upon hearing news of the Indian Army's plan to attack Sri Darbar Sahib, Bhai Baljinder Singh returned to the Darbar Sahib complex.
Finally the decisive day arrived when the faith and conviction of the Singh’s was to be tested. Bhai Baljinder Singh was victorious in this test.
A number of Bhai Sahib’s companions narrated to Mata Dalbeer that when fellow Singh’s of Bhai Baljinder were about to leave having decided to surrender to themselves to the Indian Forces, Bhai Baljinder Singh challenged them by shouting “Whilst your father’s house is being destroyed, you are running away like cowards. If you call yourselves warriors and true sons of your fathers, then stick to your guns and continue fighting.”
On the night of the 5th of June, Bhai Baljinder Singh whilst defending the honour of the Sikhs holiest shrine attained martyrdom.
Mata Dalbeer Kaur is facing a number of family and financial problems, Mata Ji told of how one time an organisation provided financial support by giving the family 10,000Rs and that the family was also honoured by Panthic Jathebandis (Religious Organisations) at gatherings at Medhiana & Fatehgarh Sahib. However, Mata Ji stated that she is much happier when her son’s great sacrifice is remembered rather than the need of financial support. Mata Ji provides for her family by sewing clothes as per family tradition.
From childhood Bhai Sahib was a gentle, quiet and sensitive natured person. Bhai Sahib could not bear watching atrocities being carried out on innocents. Upon listening to the widely spread audio cassettes of Sant Jarnail Singh’s speeches with regards to discrimination against Sikhs, Bhai Sahib’s developed an intense passion and desire to help the Sikh community and would often discuss this with his friends. Some family members opposed to Bhai Sahib’s views, Bhai Sahib left his home and headed towards Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar.
Upon reaching Sri Darbar Sahib, initially Bhai Sahib met with a group of Gursikhs of the Babbar Khalsa Jathebandi, but began staying with Sant Jarnail Singh and his Jatha. When Sant Jarnail Singh first saw Bhai Sahib, Sant Ji told Bhai Sahib to return to his home as he was too young; however Bhai Sahib was adamant that he wished to stay with the Jatha. Sant Jarnail Singh admired Bhai Sahib’s dedication and let Bhai Sahib stay and told him to write a letter to his family to let them know of his whereabouts. Bhai Sahib wrote home stating that he was in a safe place and had found himself a great job.
Bhai Sahib came home to visit his family around 10-15 days before Operation Bluestar, but upon hearing news of the Indian Army's plan to attack Sri Darbar Sahib, Bhai Baljinder Singh returned to the Darbar Sahib complex.
Finally the decisive day arrived when the faith and conviction of the Singh’s was to be tested. Bhai Baljinder Singh was victorious in this test.
A number of Bhai Sahib’s companions narrated to Mata Dalbeer that when fellow Singh’s of Bhai Baljinder were about to leave having decided to surrender to themselves to the Indian Forces, Bhai Baljinder Singh challenged them by shouting “Whilst your father’s house is being destroyed, you are running away like cowards. If you call yourselves warriors and true sons of your fathers, then stick to your guns and continue fighting.”
On the night of the 5th of June, Bhai Baljinder Singh whilst defending the honour of the Sikhs holiest shrine attained martyrdom.
Mata Dalbeer Kaur is facing a number of family and financial problems, Mata Ji told of how one time an organisation provided financial support by giving the family 10,000Rs and that the family was also honoured by Panthic Jathebandis (Religious Organisations) at gatherings at Medhiana & Fatehgarh Sahib. However, Mata Ji stated that she is much happier when her son’s great sacrifice is remembered rather than the need of financial support. Mata Ji provides for her family by sewing clothes as per family tradition.
Shaheed Major Baldev Singh Ghuman
Shaheed Major Baldev Singh Ghuman, son of Sardar Bhim Singh Ghuman and Bibi Inder Kaur, was born on July 10, 1937 at village Muhadipur, District Sialkot (now in Pakistan). After the partition his father settled down at village Bhani Bhagar (near Qadian), district Gurdaspur and here Major Baldev Singh finished his education at Sikh National College Qadian under the one of the best educators; Head Master Sardar Karam Singh Ghuman, Head Master Santokh Singh Cheema and Principal Bawa Harkrishan Singh.
In 1961 he joined the Indian Army and served in 4th Jat Battalion until he resigned as a Major in 1983. He participated in three Indian wars during 1962, 1965 and 1971 but was left saddened and shocked with the attack on Golden Temple by Indian Army in summer of 1984. After this incident he came under the influence of Damdami Taksal and started to work closely with Sardar Simranjit Singh Mann (MP) holding the position of senior member of Panjab State Working Committee within Akali Dall (Mann.)
Soon he became a highly active human rights activist by organizing peaceful protests against fake police encounters and torture of Sikhs. He is also credited for the unity between two major factions of Sikh Youth Federation and saving hundreds of innocent Sikh men from being engaged in fake encounters and torture during the dark days of Panjab in 1980's. For his selfless service for Sikh panth and Panjabi people he was arrested on August 8th, 1986. He was tortured in Jalandhar and Amritsar interrogation centers and later moved around in different jails of Panjab including Nabha, Sangrur and Patiala for two years, from were he was released after the court dismissed his case.
His journey to jail and infliction of torture upon him made him stronger and he spoke out much louder against the human rights violations, which took place in Panjab. As a senior member of Akali Dall (Mann) his duties included to get innocent Sikh men out of the jails of Panjab and to retrieve dead bodies of Sikh men killed in encounters. His this activity did not seemed to make authorities and police too happy and he was shot dead on 23rd June, 1990 at his house in Jalandhar by police sponsored killers known as "cats", so that the voice of the oppressed people can be brought down.
People of his village and surrounding villages made a small memorial in his memory at gurdawara Tahli Sahib at village Ghorawaha, Gurdaspur were now Baba Darshan Singh Ji is running a Sikh academy and providing an opportunity for the children from surrounding villages to get basic education. A person is not dead until forgotten; Shaheed Major Baldev Singh Ghuman was a brave soldier who fought for his country, and people. Upon his death all political and human rights organizations of Panjab paid their homage and was declared a great martyr.
In 1961 he joined the Indian Army and served in 4th Jat Battalion until he resigned as a Major in 1983. He participated in three Indian wars during 1962, 1965 and 1971 but was left saddened and shocked with the attack on Golden Temple by Indian Army in summer of 1984. After this incident he came under the influence of Damdami Taksal and started to work closely with Sardar Simranjit Singh Mann (MP) holding the position of senior member of Panjab State Working Committee within Akali Dall (Mann.)
Soon he became a highly active human rights activist by organizing peaceful protests against fake police encounters and torture of Sikhs. He is also credited for the unity between two major factions of Sikh Youth Federation and saving hundreds of innocent Sikh men from being engaged in fake encounters and torture during the dark days of Panjab in 1980's. For his selfless service for Sikh panth and Panjabi people he was arrested on August 8th, 1986. He was tortured in Jalandhar and Amritsar interrogation centers and later moved around in different jails of Panjab including Nabha, Sangrur and Patiala for two years, from were he was released after the court dismissed his case.
His journey to jail and infliction of torture upon him made him stronger and he spoke out much louder against the human rights violations, which took place in Panjab. As a senior member of Akali Dall (Mann) his duties included to get innocent Sikh men out of the jails of Panjab and to retrieve dead bodies of Sikh men killed in encounters. His this activity did not seemed to make authorities and police too happy and he was shot dead on 23rd June, 1990 at his house in Jalandhar by police sponsored killers known as "cats", so that the voice of the oppressed people can be brought down.
People of his village and surrounding villages made a small memorial in his memory at gurdawara Tahli Sahib at village Ghorawaha, Gurdaspur were now Baba Darshan Singh Ji is running a Sikh academy and providing an opportunity for the children from surrounding villages to get basic education. A person is not dead until forgotten; Shaheed Major Baldev Singh Ghuman was a brave soldier who fought for his country, and people. Upon his death all political and human rights organizations of Panjab paid their homage and was declared a great martyr.
Shaheed Bhai Avtar Singh Brahma
One of the most famous and effective Khalsa generals to have taken part in the Sikh Liberation Movement was Bhai Avtar Singh Brahma. The name of "Brahma" used to strike terror into the hearts of Indian Security Forces. Bhai Brahma also had a very special relationship with Canadian and other Western Singhs who had gone to fight for Sikh Freedom. Bhai Avtar Singh was a true Nihang Singh of Guru Gobind Singh and when the Panth needed his head, he was prepared to make the sacrifice.
Bhai Avtar Singh Brahma was born in 1951 in village Brahmpura, which falls in the Tarn Taran area of Amritsar district. Bhai Brahma's parents were Sardar Sohan Singh and Mata Chanan Kaur. Bhai Avtar Singh was the youngest of four brothers. His three elder brothers, Sardar Balkar Singh, Sardar Sadha Singh and Sardar Hardev Singh continue to live in the village and farm for a living.
Bhai Avtar Singh completed his early education until the fifth grade in the village primary school. After this, he began to work in the family's farm.
In 1966, Baba Daya Singh Ji from the Sursingh Nihang Jatha (Baba Bidhi Chand Dal) came to village Lohar along with his Singhs. There was a week long Gurmat Smagam in which there was an Akhand Paath Sahib, gatka demonstrations and finally at the end, an Amrit Sanchaar. Bhai Avtar Singh and his brother Bhai Sadha Singh worked until noon time one day and then decided to go to nearby village Lohar to see the gatka. Bhai Avtar Singh was so impressed that he decided to become Amritdhari at the Amrit Sanchaar being held. After this, Bhai Avtar Singh began to live a strict Gursikhi jeevan and stayed with the Bidhi Chand Dal. He would only occasionally take a leave from the Dal to meet with his family and parents.
The Jathedar of Bhai Bidhi Chand Dal, Baba Daya Singh, saw the seva and simran of Bhai Avtar Singh and because he was also from village Brahmpura, began to call him Bhai Brahma Singh. After this Bhai Avtar Singh began to be called either Bhai Brahma Singh or Bhai Avtar Singh Brahma.
Bhai Avtar Singh used to do seva in the langar and also took care of the Dal's horses. Bhai Avtar Singh was a master of Shastar Vidiya. He could do a gatka demonstration for two hours straight, all by himself. Bhai Avtar Singh was also famous for being able to ride on two horses at once and then stand up, with one leg on each. He would even do a demonstration in which he would lie down on the backs of two horses and have them run at top speed. Bhai Avtar Singh was a master of all weapons including swords, spears, pistols and even rocket launchers.
Once, Baba Daya Singh was talking with Baba Bishan Singh, Jathedar of Tarna Dal (Baba Bakala) when they began to discuss an article in the newspaper which said that a French horse rider had such skill that he could race a horse at full speed and be able to spear a target on the ground with a lance at the same time. The Singhs began to discuss if this was even possible, when Bhai Avtar Singh entered the conversation. Bhai Brahma had been sitting quietly but then spoke up and said "If the Frenchman can do that, then a Guru ka Singh can ride TWO horses while standing and do the same thing."
The Singhs were surprised by this claim and challenged Bhai Avtar Singh to prove it. Bhai Avtar Singh brought two horses and while riding one, held the reigns of the other. He began to race the horses and when they had reached top speed, he stood up on both. Bhai Brahma with his neja (spear) then pierced a stake in the ground, which was placed as his target, and threw it up into the air. Everyone watching was amazed at the skill and after this incident, Bhai Avtar Singh became very well known not just among the Nihang Dals, but also amongst the common villagers.
Baba Daya Singh Sursinghvale and Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale were very close and the two used to meet quite often. Baba Jarnail Singh had begun the Dharam Yudh Morcha to fight for Sikh rights and this movement had become very popular amongst the Sikh youth. Sant Jarnail Singh's words had spurred Sikh pride and revived the Sikh spirit in Punjab. Bhai Avtar Singh too heard Sant Jarnail Singh speak and felt the urge to help free the Sikh people from the clutches of the Brahmin government.
Sri Darbar Sahib had been surrounded by now and it was clear that the government was preparing for a fight. On May 30, 1984, Bhai Avtar Singh Brahma and Bhai Amreek Singh Jaura decided that as Khalsa warriors, it was their duty to fight for Sikh freedom. They asked for leave from Baba Daya Singh and after saying their final Fateh to the other Singhs in the Jatha, left Sursingh for Sri Darbar Sahib.
Bhai Avtar Singh and Bhai Amreek Singh went directly to Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib and presented themselves to Sant Jarnail Singh. With Sant Ji were other Singhs such as Baba Thara Singh, Bhai Amreek Singh, Bhai Durga Singh, Bhai Major Singh Nagoke, etc. Bhai Avtar Singh explained that they had come to defend Sri Darbar Sahib and give their Shaheedi. After some discussion, Sant Jarnail Singh addressed the Singhs and said, "Your Shaheedi here will not be of as much value is it could be. The army has surrounded us and is ready to attack. Who knows what will happen in a few days? Go back to your villages and do simran. When the time is right, Singhs will come get you themselves. I am sending some other Singhs out of the complex today as well to continue the struggle after us. Jathedar Durga Singh will come get you when the time is right. You must go now so that the fight can continue."
Bhai Avtar Singh and Bhai Amreek Singh returned to their villages and waited. Three days later, the Indian Government attacked Sri Darbar Sahib along with 37 other Gurdwaras. Thousands of Sikhs were butchered and Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib was destroyed.
Baba Jarnail Singh had prepared for the next phase of the battle. Singhs like Bhai Durga Singh, Shaheed Manbeer Singh Chaheru, Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal, Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sakheera, Bhai Aroor Singh, Bhai Gurdev Singh Usmanvala, etc. had been sent out of the complex to organize the resistance. As promised, Bhai Durga Singh came and met Bhai Avtar Singh Brahma. A meeting had been organized in which a new Jathebandi, the "Khalistan Liberation Force" was created. The central Singhs of this Jathebandi were Bhai Durga Singh, Bhai Kuldeep Singh Muchal, Bhai Gurdeep Singh Vakeel, Bhai Aroor Singh and Bhai Gurdev Singh Usmanvala.
Bhai Avtar Singh Brahma was an active Sikh fighter but when Bhai Aroor Singh was captured by the Police and then martyred, Bhai Brahma rose to prominence as he was appointed the next Jathedar of Khalistan Liberation Force.
Indian Security Forces had now flooded Punjab. The Central Army, Central Reserve Police Force, National Guard, Border Security Force, RAW, etc. had been deployed in full force in Punjab. These outsiders already had a dislike for Sikhs and now as they began to roam the villages and roads of Punjab, took special pleasure in humiliating Sikhs. Rapes became common and the sight of jeeps filled with soldiers became an all too regular terror.
Bhai Avtar Singh decided that these invading forces had to be taught a lesson. It was decided by the Jathebandi that a direct war should be waged. When CRPF, BSF or Army jeeps would come on a round, the Singhs would attack. The jeep was either stopped by a bomb and then showered with bullets or simply surrounded by Singhs.
In one instance, in village Baler, Bhai Brahma and the other Singhs surrounded a CRPF jeep. The CRPF men tried to flee while firing their guns, but were shot dead. The Singhs stripped them of their weapons and ammunition. The CRPF was furious. They went to village Baler and arbitrarily shot two farmers, Chatter Singh and Hazara Singh. To hide their ineptitude, the CRPF told reporters that in a major encounter, the CRPF men had been killed but they had also managed to shoot two "terrorists." Bhai Avtar Singh sent a personal message to the newspapers and made clear that those who had been shot were innocent and not part of the Sikh Resistance. The CRPF was put to shame.
Where before the Indian Security Forces patrolled the streets to terrorize the Sikh villagers, it was now their turn to be terrorized. The Jeeps stopped patrolling many areas. Sikh fighters began to conduct their own patrols and entire areas of the Punjab were under the Khalsa's control.
Newspapers began to carry reports of the new Sikh rule and the powerlessness of the Indian Forces. One article carried the following report:
"Accompanied by the district flood committee members, the Deputy Commissioner began his tour from Harike on the banks of the Sutlej downstream. As the convoy of vehicles containing all the officials was a little short of the last vulnerable point of the Indian side on the river, the team spotted three "babas" (a term used for terrorists) walking in the barata (sandy island on the river course).
Initially, there was panic as not many had actually seen a terrorist in real life. The three terrorist who had draped shawls around themselves obviously seemed to be carrying arms and were coming in from across the border as beyond that point was alien land.
On seeing the vehicles and the security personnel accompanying the DC, the three did not try to flee but just sat down. According to some, they took up positions.
An accompanying Superintendent of Police from Tarn Taran, Dharam Singh, took a few men and advanced towards the terrorists in an attempt to scare them, but the officials of the Irrigation and Drainage Department present suggested they avoid any provocation as very often repair work was being carried out in these areas and if the terrorist were harmed their accomplices would get even with these officials. The SP therefore came back and the plan to go any further for inspection was also dropped.
All this while, the three terrorists were sitting on the banks, but the moment the vehicles reversed to leave, they got up and began to cross the river, seemingly in a haughty mood."
The report also says that Sikh fighters "have also set up their own check points and persons who have to go beyond those points to work in their farms are frisked by them." It concludes with the story of a CRPF patrol being intercepted by a tractor driven by Sikh fighters and the patrol being fired upon.
As jeeps upon jeeps of Indian Security Forces were beginning to be destroyed, and many areas becoming inaccessible to Indian Security, the Hindustani government was afraid that Punjab was fast slipping away.
Bhai Avtar Singh Brahma was born in 1951 in village Brahmpura, which falls in the Tarn Taran area of Amritsar district. Bhai Brahma's parents were Sardar Sohan Singh and Mata Chanan Kaur. Bhai Avtar Singh was the youngest of four brothers. His three elder brothers, Sardar Balkar Singh, Sardar Sadha Singh and Sardar Hardev Singh continue to live in the village and farm for a living.
Bhai Avtar Singh completed his early education until the fifth grade in the village primary school. After this, he began to work in the family's farm.
In 1966, Baba Daya Singh Ji from the Sursingh Nihang Jatha (Baba Bidhi Chand Dal) came to village Lohar along with his Singhs. There was a week long Gurmat Smagam in which there was an Akhand Paath Sahib, gatka demonstrations and finally at the end, an Amrit Sanchaar. Bhai Avtar Singh and his brother Bhai Sadha Singh worked until noon time one day and then decided to go to nearby village Lohar to see the gatka. Bhai Avtar Singh was so impressed that he decided to become Amritdhari at the Amrit Sanchaar being held. After this, Bhai Avtar Singh began to live a strict Gursikhi jeevan and stayed with the Bidhi Chand Dal. He would only occasionally take a leave from the Dal to meet with his family and parents.
The Jathedar of Bhai Bidhi Chand Dal, Baba Daya Singh, saw the seva and simran of Bhai Avtar Singh and because he was also from village Brahmpura, began to call him Bhai Brahma Singh. After this Bhai Avtar Singh began to be called either Bhai Brahma Singh or Bhai Avtar Singh Brahma.
Bhai Avtar Singh used to do seva in the langar and also took care of the Dal's horses. Bhai Avtar Singh was a master of Shastar Vidiya. He could do a gatka demonstration for two hours straight, all by himself. Bhai Avtar Singh was also famous for being able to ride on two horses at once and then stand up, with one leg on each. He would even do a demonstration in which he would lie down on the backs of two horses and have them run at top speed. Bhai Avtar Singh was a master of all weapons including swords, spears, pistols and even rocket launchers.
Once, Baba Daya Singh was talking with Baba Bishan Singh, Jathedar of Tarna Dal (Baba Bakala) when they began to discuss an article in the newspaper which said that a French horse rider had such skill that he could race a horse at full speed and be able to spear a target on the ground with a lance at the same time. The Singhs began to discuss if this was even possible, when Bhai Avtar Singh entered the conversation. Bhai Brahma had been sitting quietly but then spoke up and said "If the Frenchman can do that, then a Guru ka Singh can ride TWO horses while standing and do the same thing."
The Singhs were surprised by this claim and challenged Bhai Avtar Singh to prove it. Bhai Avtar Singh brought two horses and while riding one, held the reigns of the other. He began to race the horses and when they had reached top speed, he stood up on both. Bhai Brahma with his neja (spear) then pierced a stake in the ground, which was placed as his target, and threw it up into the air. Everyone watching was amazed at the skill and after this incident, Bhai Avtar Singh became very well known not just among the Nihang Dals, but also amongst the common villagers.
Baba Daya Singh Sursinghvale and Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale were very close and the two used to meet quite often. Baba Jarnail Singh had begun the Dharam Yudh Morcha to fight for Sikh rights and this movement had become very popular amongst the Sikh youth. Sant Jarnail Singh's words had spurred Sikh pride and revived the Sikh spirit in Punjab. Bhai Avtar Singh too heard Sant Jarnail Singh speak and felt the urge to help free the Sikh people from the clutches of the Brahmin government.
Sri Darbar Sahib had been surrounded by now and it was clear that the government was preparing for a fight. On May 30, 1984, Bhai Avtar Singh Brahma and Bhai Amreek Singh Jaura decided that as Khalsa warriors, it was their duty to fight for Sikh freedom. They asked for leave from Baba Daya Singh and after saying their final Fateh to the other Singhs in the Jatha, left Sursingh for Sri Darbar Sahib.
Bhai Avtar Singh and Bhai Amreek Singh went directly to Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib and presented themselves to Sant Jarnail Singh. With Sant Ji were other Singhs such as Baba Thara Singh, Bhai Amreek Singh, Bhai Durga Singh, Bhai Major Singh Nagoke, etc. Bhai Avtar Singh explained that they had come to defend Sri Darbar Sahib and give their Shaheedi. After some discussion, Sant Jarnail Singh addressed the Singhs and said, "Your Shaheedi here will not be of as much value is it could be. The army has surrounded us and is ready to attack. Who knows what will happen in a few days? Go back to your villages and do simran. When the time is right, Singhs will come get you themselves. I am sending some other Singhs out of the complex today as well to continue the struggle after us. Jathedar Durga Singh will come get you when the time is right. You must go now so that the fight can continue."
Bhai Avtar Singh and Bhai Amreek Singh returned to their villages and waited. Three days later, the Indian Government attacked Sri Darbar Sahib along with 37 other Gurdwaras. Thousands of Sikhs were butchered and Sri Akaal Takhat Sahib was destroyed.
Baba Jarnail Singh had prepared for the next phase of the battle. Singhs like Bhai Durga Singh, Shaheed Manbeer Singh Chaheru, Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal, Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sakheera, Bhai Aroor Singh, Bhai Gurdev Singh Usmanvala, etc. had been sent out of the complex to organize the resistance. As promised, Bhai Durga Singh came and met Bhai Avtar Singh Brahma. A meeting had been organized in which a new Jathebandi, the "Khalistan Liberation Force" was created. The central Singhs of this Jathebandi were Bhai Durga Singh, Bhai Kuldeep Singh Muchal, Bhai Gurdeep Singh Vakeel, Bhai Aroor Singh and Bhai Gurdev Singh Usmanvala.
Bhai Avtar Singh Brahma was an active Sikh fighter but when Bhai Aroor Singh was captured by the Police and then martyred, Bhai Brahma rose to prominence as he was appointed the next Jathedar of Khalistan Liberation Force.
Indian Security Forces had now flooded Punjab. The Central Army, Central Reserve Police Force, National Guard, Border Security Force, RAW, etc. had been deployed in full force in Punjab. These outsiders already had a dislike for Sikhs and now as they began to roam the villages and roads of Punjab, took special pleasure in humiliating Sikhs. Rapes became common and the sight of jeeps filled with soldiers became an all too regular terror.
Bhai Avtar Singh decided that these invading forces had to be taught a lesson. It was decided by the Jathebandi that a direct war should be waged. When CRPF, BSF or Army jeeps would come on a round, the Singhs would attack. The jeep was either stopped by a bomb and then showered with bullets or simply surrounded by Singhs.
In one instance, in village Baler, Bhai Brahma and the other Singhs surrounded a CRPF jeep. The CRPF men tried to flee while firing their guns, but were shot dead. The Singhs stripped them of their weapons and ammunition. The CRPF was furious. They went to village Baler and arbitrarily shot two farmers, Chatter Singh and Hazara Singh. To hide their ineptitude, the CRPF told reporters that in a major encounter, the CRPF men had been killed but they had also managed to shoot two "terrorists." Bhai Avtar Singh sent a personal message to the newspapers and made clear that those who had been shot were innocent and not part of the Sikh Resistance. The CRPF was put to shame.
Where before the Indian Security Forces patrolled the streets to terrorize the Sikh villagers, it was now their turn to be terrorized. The Jeeps stopped patrolling many areas. Sikh fighters began to conduct their own patrols and entire areas of the Punjab were under the Khalsa's control.
Newspapers began to carry reports of the new Sikh rule and the powerlessness of the Indian Forces. One article carried the following report:
"Accompanied by the district flood committee members, the Deputy Commissioner began his tour from Harike on the banks of the Sutlej downstream. As the convoy of vehicles containing all the officials was a little short of the last vulnerable point of the Indian side on the river, the team spotted three "babas" (a term used for terrorists) walking in the barata (sandy island on the river course).
Initially, there was panic as not many had actually seen a terrorist in real life. The three terrorist who had draped shawls around themselves obviously seemed to be carrying arms and were coming in from across the border as beyond that point was alien land.
On seeing the vehicles and the security personnel accompanying the DC, the three did not try to flee but just sat down. According to some, they took up positions.
An accompanying Superintendent of Police from Tarn Taran, Dharam Singh, took a few men and advanced towards the terrorists in an attempt to scare them, but the officials of the Irrigation and Drainage Department present suggested they avoid any provocation as very often repair work was being carried out in these areas and if the terrorist were harmed their accomplices would get even with these officials. The SP therefore came back and the plan to go any further for inspection was also dropped.
All this while, the three terrorists were sitting on the banks, but the moment the vehicles reversed to leave, they got up and began to cross the river, seemingly in a haughty mood."
The report also says that Sikh fighters "have also set up their own check points and persons who have to go beyond those points to work in their farms are frisked by them." It concludes with the story of a CRPF patrol being intercepted by a tractor driven by Sikh fighters and the patrol being fired upon.
As jeeps upon jeeps of Indian Security Forces were beginning to be destroyed, and many areas becoming inaccessible to Indian Security, the Hindustani government was afraid that Punjab was fast slipping away.
Shaheed Bhai Avtar Singh Babbar
Bhai Avtar Singh Babbar (Pehlvan) became associated with Babbar Khalsa International because it was said that this group ran completely according to Sikh principles and the workers are all very dedicated to religious matters. In his earlier life, Bhai Avtar Singh was not firm in his religious beliefs but later, he faced such circumstances that he became ready to sacrifice his all and die for the Sikh faith and Sikh interests.
Shaheed Bhai Avtar Singh Babbar was born in March 1960 in home of Sardar Saroop Singh and Bibi Mahinder Kaur. The family had three sons and two daughters. He was the youngest son.
Supporting such a large household from income earned through the family farm became diffuclt and so the family in 1968, left their native Jhabal and moved to Amritsar City (Kangra Colony).
Bhai Avtar Singh studied until the sixth grade. He completed four in Jhabal and two further in the city. After this he did not study further.
Like his brothers, Bhai Avtar Singh began working in a factory, but he did not stay long in any place. In one job he would spend six months and then move on and work a year some where else and so on. This continued until 1984. At that time, Bhai Avtar Singh had cut his hair and shaved his beard. He used to also drink a lot of liquor. He had very good relations with the local communists and used to join in all their events. Bhai Avtar Singh was also the Union President of his factory. His older brother's used to take part in the Akali Morcha and Bhai Avtar Singh used to mock and make fun of them. In those days, he was essentially an atheist.
Around this time, Bhai Avtar Singh bought a liquor shop near Amritsar's Gagan Cinema. He soon fell into a feud with a nearby liquor shop owner, which was resolved by Maninderjit Bitta (Youth Congress (I) leader). [Note: Bitta is still active today. He is now the leader of the All-India Anti Terrorist Front. He worked very vigorously against the Sikh Freedom Movement. Bhai Davinderpal Singh Bhullar is facing execution in India for an alleged assassination attempt on Bitta]. After this, Bhai Avtar Singh became a close associate of Bitta and even became the Block President of the Youth Congress.
The Congress candidate for Kangra Colony, Madan Lal Vohra wanted that Bhai Avtar Singh's family should vote for the Congress, but they did not want to and refused. If they were in the villages, they would vote for the Akali Dal and if in the City [where there are no Akali Candidates], they would vote for the Jan Sangh. It was because of this that the family came into conflict with Madan Lal Vohra.
During the attack on Sri Darbar Sahib, on June 6th, 1984 at 1.30AM, Madan Lal Vohra complained to the army that the three brothers were a risk to the local Hindus and had them arrested. The brothers were first taken to the army camp at Amritsar, where they were interrogated and tortured. After this, on June 27, they were sent to jail and released on July 9, 1984. After this, Bhai Avtar Singh's life was transformed. He was no longer an atheist. The reason for this was his experience in jail. He was of course now a victim on the Indian Government's unjust law that had him arrested and tortured. But he was also shocked by the bigoted policy that had resulted in the attack on Sri Darbar Sahib.
In jail, Bhai Avtar Singh had met Babbar Khalsa's Bhai Kulvant Singh (Ambala) and his companions. The Singhs used to do paath and keertan together and always stayed content within Akal Purakh's will. These Singhs had a very deep effect on Bhai Avtar Singh. His interest in the Guru and Gurbani grew very quickly. After being released from prison he became a tyar-bar-tyar Singh. After just a little while, his nitnem grew to 15 banis and in his final days it was 21 banis.
Bhai Avtar Singh, to fight against Indian terror, joined Babbar Khalsa to take part in the Panthic Movement. He took part in some very major actions.
On June 20, 1986, Bhai Avtar Singh was arrested by the Amritsar Police and brutally tortured. He was then sent to jail on July 26, 1986. After some days, he was turned over to the Delhi police for interrogation. It was there that they declared him the main accused in a plot to blow up the Indian Parliament. He was sent to Indore jail under the NSA act. His family filed a petition against this and the NSA charges were dropped. On May 19, 1987, Bhai Avtar Singh was brought back to Amritsar. His older brother, Bhai Jasbir Singh had been arrested on May 5th.
Bhai Avtar Singh was given to the Amritsar Police under a remand for May 21, 1987. Both of Bhai Sahib's arms were broken at this time due to torture. On the night of May 21st, Bhai Sahib was martyred in a fake encounter. On May 23, the newspapers announced that in an encounter, Goindwal Police had killed a major terrorist, Bhai Avtar Singh, and his companion, Bhai Rana Partap Singh Babbar.
The police decided to cremate the bodies of Bhai Avtar Singh and Bhai Rana Partap Singh. When the family arrived to take bodies, they found that the police had already placed the bodies together on one pyre at Tarn Taran's cremation grounds and lit the wood. Bhai Rana Partap Singh's mother parents along with their village panchait arrived at that time and decided to cremate the bodies themselves. They pushed the government's wood aside and removed the bodies. The Singh's hands were still tied behind their backs and their bodies were ripped apart by the torture. Bhai Avtar Singh and Bhai Rana Partap Singh were cremated with due honour and their ashes were immersed at Sri Goindwal Sahib.
Shaheed Bhai Avtar Singh Babbar was born in March 1960 in home of Sardar Saroop Singh and Bibi Mahinder Kaur. The family had three sons and two daughters. He was the youngest son.
Supporting such a large household from income earned through the family farm became diffuclt and so the family in 1968, left their native Jhabal and moved to Amritsar City (Kangra Colony).
Bhai Avtar Singh studied until the sixth grade. He completed four in Jhabal and two further in the city. After this he did not study further.
Like his brothers, Bhai Avtar Singh began working in a factory, but he did not stay long in any place. In one job he would spend six months and then move on and work a year some where else and so on. This continued until 1984. At that time, Bhai Avtar Singh had cut his hair and shaved his beard. He used to also drink a lot of liquor. He had very good relations with the local communists and used to join in all their events. Bhai Avtar Singh was also the Union President of his factory. His older brother's used to take part in the Akali Morcha and Bhai Avtar Singh used to mock and make fun of them. In those days, he was essentially an atheist.
Around this time, Bhai Avtar Singh bought a liquor shop near Amritsar's Gagan Cinema. He soon fell into a feud with a nearby liquor shop owner, which was resolved by Maninderjit Bitta (Youth Congress (I) leader). [Note: Bitta is still active today. He is now the leader of the All-India Anti Terrorist Front. He worked very vigorously against the Sikh Freedom Movement. Bhai Davinderpal Singh Bhullar is facing execution in India for an alleged assassination attempt on Bitta]. After this, Bhai Avtar Singh became a close associate of Bitta and even became the Block President of the Youth Congress.
The Congress candidate for Kangra Colony, Madan Lal Vohra wanted that Bhai Avtar Singh's family should vote for the Congress, but they did not want to and refused. If they were in the villages, they would vote for the Akali Dal and if in the City [where there are no Akali Candidates], they would vote for the Jan Sangh. It was because of this that the family came into conflict with Madan Lal Vohra.
During the attack on Sri Darbar Sahib, on June 6th, 1984 at 1.30AM, Madan Lal Vohra complained to the army that the three brothers were a risk to the local Hindus and had them arrested. The brothers were first taken to the army camp at Amritsar, where they were interrogated and tortured. After this, on June 27, they were sent to jail and released on July 9, 1984. After this, Bhai Avtar Singh's life was transformed. He was no longer an atheist. The reason for this was his experience in jail. He was of course now a victim on the Indian Government's unjust law that had him arrested and tortured. But he was also shocked by the bigoted policy that had resulted in the attack on Sri Darbar Sahib.
In jail, Bhai Avtar Singh had met Babbar Khalsa's Bhai Kulvant Singh (Ambala) and his companions. The Singhs used to do paath and keertan together and always stayed content within Akal Purakh's will. These Singhs had a very deep effect on Bhai Avtar Singh. His interest in the Guru and Gurbani grew very quickly. After being released from prison he became a tyar-bar-tyar Singh. After just a little while, his nitnem grew to 15 banis and in his final days it was 21 banis.
Bhai Avtar Singh, to fight against Indian terror, joined Babbar Khalsa to take part in the Panthic Movement. He took part in some very major actions.
On June 20, 1986, Bhai Avtar Singh was arrested by the Amritsar Police and brutally tortured. He was then sent to jail on July 26, 1986. After some days, he was turned over to the Delhi police for interrogation. It was there that they declared him the main accused in a plot to blow up the Indian Parliament. He was sent to Indore jail under the NSA act. His family filed a petition against this and the NSA charges were dropped. On May 19, 1987, Bhai Avtar Singh was brought back to Amritsar. His older brother, Bhai Jasbir Singh had been arrested on May 5th.
Bhai Avtar Singh was given to the Amritsar Police under a remand for May 21, 1987. Both of Bhai Sahib's arms were broken at this time due to torture. On the night of May 21st, Bhai Sahib was martyred in a fake encounter. On May 23, the newspapers announced that in an encounter, Goindwal Police had killed a major terrorist, Bhai Avtar Singh, and his companion, Bhai Rana Partap Singh Babbar.
The police decided to cremate the bodies of Bhai Avtar Singh and Bhai Rana Partap Singh. When the family arrived to take bodies, they found that the police had already placed the bodies together on one pyre at Tarn Taran's cremation grounds and lit the wood. Bhai Rana Partap Singh's mother parents along with their village panchait arrived at that time and decided to cremate the bodies themselves. They pushed the government's wood aside and removed the bodies. The Singh's hands were still tied behind their backs and their bodies were ripped apart by the torture. Bhai Avtar Singh and Bhai Rana Partap Singh were cremated with due honour and their ashes were immersed at Sri Goindwal Sahib.
Shaheed Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh ‘Goldy’
The number of accounts of bravery by those of young age found in the Sikh history cannot be found in the history of the rest of the world. The struggle, started by Baba Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale against the oppressive Hindu government contains the accounts of great martyrs of youthful age who accomplished many great tasks. Of these young martyrs, the name of Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh Goldy is one of the most outstanding and unforgettable.
Bhai Sahib was born on August 29, 1972 to Bibi Kashmir Kaur and eminent journalist from the city of Amritsar, Sardar Mohinder Singh. His family was doing very well financially during his childhood. During his early years, Goldy had been very fond of playing with toy weapons. At that time, Goldy perhaps had not known that he would have to play with these very same toy weapons but in their real form. Arvinderjeet Singh also had two younger brothers by the names of Kuljinder Singh and Arvinderjeet Singh. Goldy had obtained his primary education from Sultanvind Village School. Then until the 10th grade, he attended the eminent school in Amritsar named Sant Singh Sukha Singh Senior Secondary School, Mal Road. Goldy completed grade 11 and 12 at the Government Senior Secondary School in Town Hall, Amritsar and for his college education, he enrolled at Khalsa College Amritsar.
During that time, the state of Punjab was facing the wrath of the Indian Army in the form of Operation Blue Star. Even after Operation Blue Star, the state of Punjab still had to face the rage of the Indian Government’s security forces. During Operation Blue Star, Goldy was about 11 or 12 years of age. At the age of 12, Bhai Avinderjeet Singh was given the gift of Amrit from the Panj Piyareh.Operation Blue Star had hurt the sentiments of all Sikhs worldwide. Goldy’s psyche was also very deeply affected by the events that took place during Operation Blue Star, and he was disturbed to hear that many Hindus had celebrated the attack on Harmandir Sahib. The events after the assassination of Indira Gandhi had just added fuel to the fire that was burning inside of Arvinderjeet Singh. After hearing of Sikh women being raped and Gurdwaras being desecrated all across India by fundamentalist Hindus, Goldy’s anger jumped to a completely new level. Goldy posted some handmade posters on the doors of known Hindu fundamentalist, which read:
“The Sikhs are not dead, they are still alive… …and you will find out about this very soon… …we will take account of every life taken…”
While attending school, Goldy began making contacts with the Sikh freedom fighters. One eminent freedom fighter said to Goldy, “Mohinder Singh is already doing enough seva…what do you want from these things…and how old are you anyway…?”
Goldy left that meeting place without saying a word, but later he wrote a letter to the above-mentioned Sikh freedom fighter that said:
“Who are you to put age limits on who can join the struggle…? What age were Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s sons when they became martyred…?”
Arvinderjeet Singh’s entire family had the same viewpoints of Sant Jarnail Singh, yet they did not agree with him joining the Sikh freedom struggle. Once his mom said:
“…Goldy, you are so good looking… and the army is now stationed in Punjab; let a few days pass by…”
Goldy’s swift response was, “…did you give me this handsome appearance? Why are you afraid to give it back to the one who gave it to me…?”
He would always say, “I had offered my head to Guru Sahib at the age of 12 when I took Amrit, now it is Guru Sahib’s wish when he will accept my head...”
Now Goldy was secretly doing a lot in support for the Sikh freedom struggle, but he was still in contact with his family. Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh’s nickname within the circle of freedom fighters was Bhai Mehtab Singh Dheera ‘Amritsari’, Lt. General ‘Khalistan Liberation Army’.
Once Goldy’s mother brought some parshad in the form of mango slices from Baba Takhur Singh and handed them to Goldy saying:
“Here take this, may God give you good sense…” Giving those mango slices back to his mother, Goldy said: “You take them! May God give you some confidence and may you happily send your son to join the struggle…”
Later Goldy’s mother began talking of having an Akhand Path at their home and he put forward some questions to her:
“What is the point of having an Akhand Paath…do you follow the message of any Shabads…? Tell me to this day which message of any Shabad have you followed…?”
His mother began thinking. Goldy then asked, “Have you listened to the tapes of Sant Jarnail Singh Ji…?”
“…Yes…” his mother answered.
“So many Singhs are being martyred…have you sent your son…?” Goldy asked. His mother had no answer for these questions.
Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh would often say that Sant Jarnail Singh Ji’s soul is probably asking, what kind of people are these Sikhs, they still have not brought Bhajan Lal ‘Bhajna’ to justice.
Goldy had not yet even grown a full moustache but his bravery was very well known in the entire area and still is. At night in the Sultanvind area, the security forces would setup numerous checkpoints. One day Goldy was walking alone over Sultanvind canal bridge with an AK-47 rifle in his hand and entered the open area in a village. In the darkness, the policemen at one checkpoint challenged Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh. Goldy opened fire on the policemen manning the checkpoint with his AK-47 rifle. After firing for some time, Goldy tricked the policemen, returned home and went to sleep while the policemen kept firing on the empty ground.
In the same manner one day before sunset, Goldy was riding his bicycle on the Jalandhar G.T. Road while carrying an AK-47 rifle. One government leader was traveling on the road along with his bodyguards and upon seeing them, Goldy opened fire on their car. Security forces stormed the area taking up positions and began firing but by that time, Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh had already reached his home and was eating Mango ‘murabaa’. It is said that at the time Goldy had reached home, the security forces were still blindly firing at some unknown target.
In college, Goldy would get his attendance taken, then leave school, and head for the villages. If some freedom fighters would do something that would turn the people away from them, Goldy would become very worried about these incidents and do whatever he could to keep the people supporting the freedom movement. One day in the village of Sehinsra some freedom fighters called for a strike, they asked that all businesses shut down for the day. One milkman who disobeyed the call was beaten up, upon hearing of this, Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh went to meet him and said, “I can not return your blood that was spilt but here keep this money.” Goldy said this while handing the milkman 500 rupees that he had received from his parents for buying his schoolbooks. When the milkman heard these words from Goldy all his complaints about the freedom fighters were dispelled and he said, “We don’t read any newspapers… if we did we would personally be taking part in this strike…”
Once after a meeting, Goldy along with two of his armed friends stopped at someone’s house to get something to drink. The owners of the home prepared some warm milk for Goldy and his friends to drink. While the three of them were drinking the warm milk, the owner of the home came and sat down next to them. He began indirectly saying that he would like to have the person who is having a land dispute with him to be eliminated. Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh stayed quiet the whole time while drinking his milk and listened to the homeowner. After finishing his milk Goldy washed his hands and pulled out a 20 rupees and while handing it to the homeowner he said:
“Brother, here take this money if you want something in exchange for the milk you gave us…but if you think that for this milk we will kill an innocent man then you are mistaken.”
Feeling ashamed, the homeowner handed the money back to Goldy. On his way out, Goldy began explaining to the homeowner: “If you consider the freedom movement to be legitimate then give up the idea of having the freedom fighters settle your personal scores because if we eliminate one guilty person then hundreds will become ready to join the movement but if we eliminate one innocent person then hundreds of people will distance themselves from it…” The homeowner nodded his head in agreement and Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh and his fellow freedom fighters walked out of the house.
Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh was arrested twice by the police but they were unable to get any information from him.
Bhai Sahib was really surprised on how when the pictures of Sikh martyrs would be printed in the newspaper, the Singhs’ hair would always be open. He thought that maybe the police were disrespecting the Singhs by purposely removing their turbans and opening their hair. Goldy would tie his keski very tightly and say, “You will see that after I am martyred and my picture is printed in the paper, my hair will not be open…and see at that time the bullets will even hit me in the chest…”
Bhai Goldy put his heart into the work he did for the Sikh freedom movement. When some innocents would be killed in villages and the Sikh freedom fighters were blamed by government sources, Goldy would go to the area and find out who was the actual culprit and let it be known to the villagers.
Then came the day of June 10, 1992, on this day many Sikhs active in the freedom movement had gathered in the village of Malowal (close to Ajnala) in the Majha area, and Goldy also attended this meeting. After the conclusion of the meeting, Goldy was getting a ride to the bus station from another Singh on a bicycle. While traveling they came to a checkpoint, which was manned by five soldiers of the Indian Army. Upon reaching the checkpoint, Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh and the Singh who was giving him a ride were stopped by the soldiers. The soldiers forwarded to begin searching both Singhs. Goldy pulled out his 455 bore revolver from his pocket in a lightening fast movement and began firing on the soldiers. He shot 3 of the soldiers dead and left the other 2 wounded.
Goldy knew that a patrol of soldiers would come running to investigate the sound of gunfire so he began pulling on one of the dead soldiers guns, but it would not budge as the soldier had used a chain to tie it to himself. While Goldy was struggling with the gun, an army jeep on patrol had approached his position but still Goldy kept trying to get the gun into his possession. Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh then dropped the soldier and took up a position behind a dirt mound in the field next to the road. Goldy only had one remaining bullet in his revolver and fired that at the soldiers in the jeep. In response to Bhai Goldy’s firing of a bullet, the soldiers martyred this great warrior of such a young age by opening fire from their LMG machine gun and filled his chest with bullets.
Martyr Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh’s hair did not open up nor did his turban come off. He also took the bullets straight in the chest. Goldy stayed true to his word in the end.
Kirpal Singh, the one who was taking Goldy to the bus station was caught alive by the army soldiers. In the nearby fields, some female workers told of Goldy’s fate and his martyrdom at the hands of the Indian soldiers. They said that the soldiers talked amongst themselves about what people will say when they see that a mere child is responsible for the killing of three soldiers from the Indian Army. To make this seem like an encounter, they also killed Kirpal Singh on the spot and falsely announced that two terrorists have been killed.
Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh’s mother became an example for all Sikh mothers when not even one teardrop came from her eyes during her son’s funeral. From the soil where Goldy’s blood drenched, certainly one day from that soil the crop of freedom shall grow for the Sikh Nation as every drop of that sanctified blood went for the mission of liberating the Sikh Nation.
Bhai Sahib was born on August 29, 1972 to Bibi Kashmir Kaur and eminent journalist from the city of Amritsar, Sardar Mohinder Singh. His family was doing very well financially during his childhood. During his early years, Goldy had been very fond of playing with toy weapons. At that time, Goldy perhaps had not known that he would have to play with these very same toy weapons but in their real form. Arvinderjeet Singh also had two younger brothers by the names of Kuljinder Singh and Arvinderjeet Singh. Goldy had obtained his primary education from Sultanvind Village School. Then until the 10th grade, he attended the eminent school in Amritsar named Sant Singh Sukha Singh Senior Secondary School, Mal Road. Goldy completed grade 11 and 12 at the Government Senior Secondary School in Town Hall, Amritsar and for his college education, he enrolled at Khalsa College Amritsar.
During that time, the state of Punjab was facing the wrath of the Indian Army in the form of Operation Blue Star. Even after Operation Blue Star, the state of Punjab still had to face the rage of the Indian Government’s security forces. During Operation Blue Star, Goldy was about 11 or 12 years of age. At the age of 12, Bhai Avinderjeet Singh was given the gift of Amrit from the Panj Piyareh.Operation Blue Star had hurt the sentiments of all Sikhs worldwide. Goldy’s psyche was also very deeply affected by the events that took place during Operation Blue Star, and he was disturbed to hear that many Hindus had celebrated the attack on Harmandir Sahib. The events after the assassination of Indira Gandhi had just added fuel to the fire that was burning inside of Arvinderjeet Singh. After hearing of Sikh women being raped and Gurdwaras being desecrated all across India by fundamentalist Hindus, Goldy’s anger jumped to a completely new level. Goldy posted some handmade posters on the doors of known Hindu fundamentalist, which read:
“The Sikhs are not dead, they are still alive… …and you will find out about this very soon… …we will take account of every life taken…”
While attending school, Goldy began making contacts with the Sikh freedom fighters. One eminent freedom fighter said to Goldy, “Mohinder Singh is already doing enough seva…what do you want from these things…and how old are you anyway…?”
Goldy left that meeting place without saying a word, but later he wrote a letter to the above-mentioned Sikh freedom fighter that said:
“Who are you to put age limits on who can join the struggle…? What age were Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s sons when they became martyred…?”
Arvinderjeet Singh’s entire family had the same viewpoints of Sant Jarnail Singh, yet they did not agree with him joining the Sikh freedom struggle. Once his mom said:
“…Goldy, you are so good looking… and the army is now stationed in Punjab; let a few days pass by…”
Goldy’s swift response was, “…did you give me this handsome appearance? Why are you afraid to give it back to the one who gave it to me…?”
He would always say, “I had offered my head to Guru Sahib at the age of 12 when I took Amrit, now it is Guru Sahib’s wish when he will accept my head...”
Now Goldy was secretly doing a lot in support for the Sikh freedom struggle, but he was still in contact with his family. Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh’s nickname within the circle of freedom fighters was Bhai Mehtab Singh Dheera ‘Amritsari’, Lt. General ‘Khalistan Liberation Army’.
Once Goldy’s mother brought some parshad in the form of mango slices from Baba Takhur Singh and handed them to Goldy saying:
“Here take this, may God give you good sense…” Giving those mango slices back to his mother, Goldy said: “You take them! May God give you some confidence and may you happily send your son to join the struggle…”
Later Goldy’s mother began talking of having an Akhand Path at their home and he put forward some questions to her:
“What is the point of having an Akhand Paath…do you follow the message of any Shabads…? Tell me to this day which message of any Shabad have you followed…?”
His mother began thinking. Goldy then asked, “Have you listened to the tapes of Sant Jarnail Singh Ji…?”
“…Yes…” his mother answered.
“So many Singhs are being martyred…have you sent your son…?” Goldy asked. His mother had no answer for these questions.
Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh would often say that Sant Jarnail Singh Ji’s soul is probably asking, what kind of people are these Sikhs, they still have not brought Bhajan Lal ‘Bhajna’ to justice.
Goldy had not yet even grown a full moustache but his bravery was very well known in the entire area and still is. At night in the Sultanvind area, the security forces would setup numerous checkpoints. One day Goldy was walking alone over Sultanvind canal bridge with an AK-47 rifle in his hand and entered the open area in a village. In the darkness, the policemen at one checkpoint challenged Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh. Goldy opened fire on the policemen manning the checkpoint with his AK-47 rifle. After firing for some time, Goldy tricked the policemen, returned home and went to sleep while the policemen kept firing on the empty ground.
In the same manner one day before sunset, Goldy was riding his bicycle on the Jalandhar G.T. Road while carrying an AK-47 rifle. One government leader was traveling on the road along with his bodyguards and upon seeing them, Goldy opened fire on their car. Security forces stormed the area taking up positions and began firing but by that time, Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh had already reached his home and was eating Mango ‘murabaa’. It is said that at the time Goldy had reached home, the security forces were still blindly firing at some unknown target.
In college, Goldy would get his attendance taken, then leave school, and head for the villages. If some freedom fighters would do something that would turn the people away from them, Goldy would become very worried about these incidents and do whatever he could to keep the people supporting the freedom movement. One day in the village of Sehinsra some freedom fighters called for a strike, they asked that all businesses shut down for the day. One milkman who disobeyed the call was beaten up, upon hearing of this, Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh went to meet him and said, “I can not return your blood that was spilt but here keep this money.” Goldy said this while handing the milkman 500 rupees that he had received from his parents for buying his schoolbooks. When the milkman heard these words from Goldy all his complaints about the freedom fighters were dispelled and he said, “We don’t read any newspapers… if we did we would personally be taking part in this strike…”
Once after a meeting, Goldy along with two of his armed friends stopped at someone’s house to get something to drink. The owners of the home prepared some warm milk for Goldy and his friends to drink. While the three of them were drinking the warm milk, the owner of the home came and sat down next to them. He began indirectly saying that he would like to have the person who is having a land dispute with him to be eliminated. Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh stayed quiet the whole time while drinking his milk and listened to the homeowner. After finishing his milk Goldy washed his hands and pulled out a 20 rupees and while handing it to the homeowner he said:
“Brother, here take this money if you want something in exchange for the milk you gave us…but if you think that for this milk we will kill an innocent man then you are mistaken.”
Feeling ashamed, the homeowner handed the money back to Goldy. On his way out, Goldy began explaining to the homeowner: “If you consider the freedom movement to be legitimate then give up the idea of having the freedom fighters settle your personal scores because if we eliminate one guilty person then hundreds will become ready to join the movement but if we eliminate one innocent person then hundreds of people will distance themselves from it…” The homeowner nodded his head in agreement and Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh and his fellow freedom fighters walked out of the house.
Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh was arrested twice by the police but they were unable to get any information from him.
Bhai Sahib was really surprised on how when the pictures of Sikh martyrs would be printed in the newspaper, the Singhs’ hair would always be open. He thought that maybe the police were disrespecting the Singhs by purposely removing their turbans and opening their hair. Goldy would tie his keski very tightly and say, “You will see that after I am martyred and my picture is printed in the paper, my hair will not be open…and see at that time the bullets will even hit me in the chest…”
Bhai Goldy put his heart into the work he did for the Sikh freedom movement. When some innocents would be killed in villages and the Sikh freedom fighters were blamed by government sources, Goldy would go to the area and find out who was the actual culprit and let it be known to the villagers.
Then came the day of June 10, 1992, on this day many Sikhs active in the freedom movement had gathered in the village of Malowal (close to Ajnala) in the Majha area, and Goldy also attended this meeting. After the conclusion of the meeting, Goldy was getting a ride to the bus station from another Singh on a bicycle. While traveling they came to a checkpoint, which was manned by five soldiers of the Indian Army. Upon reaching the checkpoint, Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh and the Singh who was giving him a ride were stopped by the soldiers. The soldiers forwarded to begin searching both Singhs. Goldy pulled out his 455 bore revolver from his pocket in a lightening fast movement and began firing on the soldiers. He shot 3 of the soldiers dead and left the other 2 wounded.
Goldy knew that a patrol of soldiers would come running to investigate the sound of gunfire so he began pulling on one of the dead soldiers guns, but it would not budge as the soldier had used a chain to tie it to himself. While Goldy was struggling with the gun, an army jeep on patrol had approached his position but still Goldy kept trying to get the gun into his possession. Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh then dropped the soldier and took up a position behind a dirt mound in the field next to the road. Goldy only had one remaining bullet in his revolver and fired that at the soldiers in the jeep. In response to Bhai Goldy’s firing of a bullet, the soldiers martyred this great warrior of such a young age by opening fire from their LMG machine gun and filled his chest with bullets.
Martyr Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh’s hair did not open up nor did his turban come off. He also took the bullets straight in the chest. Goldy stayed true to his word in the end.
Kirpal Singh, the one who was taking Goldy to the bus station was caught alive by the army soldiers. In the nearby fields, some female workers told of Goldy’s fate and his martyrdom at the hands of the Indian soldiers. They said that the soldiers talked amongst themselves about what people will say when they see that a mere child is responsible for the killing of three soldiers from the Indian Army. To make this seem like an encounter, they also killed Kirpal Singh on the spot and falsely announced that two terrorists have been killed.
Bhai Arvinderjeet Singh’s mother became an example for all Sikh mothers when not even one teardrop came from her eyes during her son’s funeral. From the soil where Goldy’s blood drenched, certainly one day from that soil the crop of freedom shall grow for the Sikh Nation as every drop of that sanctified blood went for the mission of liberating the Sikh Nation.
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