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  1. All Sikhs need to do now is organize a central Sikh body government of Khalistan, a disciplined military force and start issuing currency and they will have the much promised area of freedom within the Indian union as Nehru had assured the Sikhs in 1946. Sikhs had 6 independent kingdoms prior 1947 and the most active armies was the Sikh kingdoms of patiala, jind and faridkot. When the Raja's of those kingdoms gave their lot in with the Indian union thinking they can have high positions of power in the indian government. They gave away Sikh autonomy by disbanding their armies and merging them with the Indian national army. Sikhs in punjab need to start thinking about organising themselves in the Khalistan national army and police force.
  2. I've come across quite a few muslim girls ripe for conversion since they are only culturally muslim but hate practising the islamic faith. I need idea's how to get them to reject the arab abrahmic cult of islam and embrace sikhi. Also I want to help brahminwad hindu punjabi hindni's leave their stupid superstitious rituals and foolish idol worshiping ways and become sikh women and supporters of Khalistan. What in your views would be the best strategies to convert these 2 types of women any idea's?
  3. is khalistan needed an why? how would trade policies work with khalistan having no ports no ocean for trade forcing it to rely on Pakistan an india for trade in a democracy like Punjab Sikhs still elect such corrupt politicians how would this change under khalistan if we can't do it now in punjab what type of country should it be should it be a democracy or run by religious leaders only would there be freedom of speech allowed an with freedom of speech you have to accept people saying things that will anger you
  4. 20 years ago the Akali Dal represented by Surjit Singh Baranala comprising of what is now Badals Akali Dal and Capt Amarinder Singh then being an Akali signed the statement below that they would push for an independent state if Sikh demands were not met. They signed this publicaly at Siri Akal Takht. The exact wording of Amritsar Declaration Shiromani Akali Dal The Amritsar Declaration (At Sri Akal Takht, May 1st, 1994) The Shiromani Akali Dal, championing the cause of Guru Granth Sahib -based Punjabi culture, reiterates its commitment to pursue a democratic struggle for the creation of a separate region for the Sikhs, where they can enjoy freedom. Prior to partition, the Congress promised to create such a region, which promise has so far not been fulfilled. The aspirations of the Sikh nation and the Punjabis can be realised only with the creation of such a region. Such a region can help in fulfilling the needs and desires of minorities. At this juncture in history, on the one hand we have unrest in southeast Asia, and on the other, western nations are exploring new value models to determine their destiny. These nations are also in the process of reidentifying with their distinctive cultural identities. In these circumstances, in such a region, the practice of ideals enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib of universal brotherhood and unity, humility, corruption-free politics and peaceful coexistence, can be a beacon light for other cultural entities. In this territory, religious, economic, political and social institutions based on the Sikh way of life will uphold moral awareness, and also provide the Sikh people a place in history, hitherto unavailable. With this achievement, the Sikhs and Panjabiat will be able to make a laudable contribution to enrich world culture. The Shiromani Akali Dal is of the view that India is a sub-continent of various nations and cultures, each with a distinct legacy and status. The sub-continent needs to be restructured with a confederal constitution, enabling participating entities to prosper and flourish according to their own aspirations and to establish their special position in the comity of nations and cultures. In case such a new confederal structure is not accepted by Indian rulers, then the Shiromani Akali Dal has no option but to demand and struggle for an independent and sovereign Sikh state. --Signed- Amarinder Singh Jagdev Singh Talwandi Simranjit Singh Mann Jasmer Singh Bala, Col. (Retd.) Surjit Singh Barnala Bhai Manjit Singh
  5. Would it be better for a possible Khalistan to be an anarchist style society? I don't think a single politician has ever helped Panjab. What is there was no government?. Instead you can just have separate small villages with their own leaders. If you really think about it, government in Panjab hasn't ever done anything good. I think it could work very well in Panjab. It will also get rid of the problem where the politicians corrupt Sikhism for example Akal Takht Sahib. Can anyone point out some flaws in this system?
  6. WJKK WJKF Forgive me if you are just completely tired of talking about Khalistan because I know the subject has been discussed to death. Just wanted to get some numbers on what people think, because I was thinking about working on a project in the future If you think I should add another choice to the questions, please let me know
  7. Fateh ji. Could someone clarify if the singhs back in the 80's killed innocent Hindus in busses etc as portrayed in many films or were these paid by government to dress as Sikhs to make the singhs appear bad?
  8. http://www.sikh24.com/2015/10/20/humanitarian-and-political-activist-bagicha-singh-exposes-govt-role-in-faking-arrests/
  9. I have been looking at twitter etc and i see more pakistanis supporting khalistan than apneh. What is the reason for this? Is there an agenda here? Wouldnt khalistan include lahore and nanakana, im confused about this....
  10. I'm wondering after the baba jee pillars and elderly leaders of the Sikh community of the present time pass on....... have we got up and coming charismatic youth leaders to take their place? Or will be Sikh masses be left to their own devices and no longer an effective force against those who wish our community ill will. I can see within 5-10 years when the leaders who lived in the times of 1984 and put all their energy fighting for Sikh rights and khalistan pass on there will be no one influential will left to fight for the rights of the community.
  11. I know a-lot of sikhs here and elsewhere are passionate about this. But I have a couple of questions about it, things that confuse me. Firstly im assuming that Khalistan is an independent nation for Sikhs, That's all cool and something I would support, but economically and even looking at the state of the world is it possible? Our global economy isn't all too good right now and im no economist but how would people start a new currency? Then we have politics and govern-ship. I'll assume that we would want a Sikh leadership but how would politics and religion mix into things. Would keeping them separate be wiser or not? There's also allies or even potential defense, budget, healthcare. How would we afford all this? This is mainly aimed at the more wiser supporters of the movement as I'm pretty curious how things would go about.
  12. I have heard the term Nanaksar and GNNSJ used interchangeably. I was wondering whether they represent the same group, view points and Sants. In addition, what has been the opinion of Nanaksar Sikhs regarding the Khalistan movement and the problems in Punjab in the 80s? Do they support the cause of people like Bhai Surat Singh?
  13. ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾ॥ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ॥ Canadian Sikhs Declare Support for Punjab Independence Referendum in 2020: Sikhs For Justice Toronto, Canada: Seeking an independent Sikh country, Ontario Gurdwaras Committee; (OGC) a Canadian umbrella Sikh organization passed a historic resolution in support of holding a referendum in the state of Punjab in the year 2020. Since the military invasion of Sikhi's holiest shrine, the Golden Temple, in June 1984 in the operation code named 'Blue Star', Canadian Sikhs have been supporting the movement for creation of Khalistan, a sovereign Sikh country. Canada is home to the largest Sikh population living outside India. Canadian Sikhs Declare Support for Punjab Independence Referendum On May 03, a gathering of more than 150,000 Canadian Sikhs unanimously passed the Punjab Referendum Resolution during annual Khalsa Day parade in Toronto. Chanting slogans in favor of Independent Sikh country, participants walked over 11 kilometers from Malton to Sikh Spiritual Center Toronto carrying placards demanding referendum in the state of Punjab. 'Self determination is the right of Sikh people as guaranteed by the UN Charter', stated attorney Gurpatwant Singh Pannun legal advisor to Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). Support of Canadian Sikhs to hold referendum 2020 will go a long way in realizing community's long standing demand for a separate country, added Pannun. SFJ a human rights group has given a call to hold a referendum in the year 2020 on the question of Sikh sovereignty. Referendum 2020 will be held in the state of Punjab and among Sikh diaspora living in America, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Middle Eastern Countries. "Referendum 2020" will be managed by independent and reputable organizations and monitored by international NGOs.
  14. ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕਾਖਾਲਸਾ॥ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂਜੀਕੀਫਤਿਹ॥ UK PM David Cameron visits Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Gravesend in Kent, UK Today UK Prime Minister David Cameron and wife Samantha visit Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Gravesend in Kent, UK. The Prime Minister, wore an orange patka, and Mrs Cameron, a blue salwar kameez. The Camerons removed their shoes, queued up to kneel, offer coins and bow before Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The start of the Camerons visit was delayed slightly after a scuffle broke out among the sangat when a Granthi [rightly] objected to speeches being made while prayers were taking place. Mr and Mrs Cameron were taken to a side room where, it is said, Mr Cameron delivered a speech. He told the audience that Vaisakhi was a "big, bold" sign of their devotion. "I wanted to make sure Downing Street was part of this too, and I'm proud to be the first Prime Minister to host a Vaisakhi reception at Number 10," he added. "And I'll tell you what - if I'm back there as Prime Minister, I'll keep bringing the community, the colour and the celebrations there, again and again." Both David and Samantha Cameron correctly sat on floor with legs crossed. However, two women (in a group of three) sitting near Samantha Cameron showed their ignorance and contempt of Sikhi by having their heads fully uncovered (view from 1min 10secs in the video at the link below). http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/general-election-2015/article11547439.ece#ooid=NoM2psdDpPPkL0_eVCs7TLBay997xWkm
  15. Funny how you never saw the term "hindu terrorist" when some BJP hindu groups were caught killing Sikhs in 1984 and recently attacking Muslims in 2002 and blowing up masjids in 2007 and beyond because they are in the majority and the minorities are fair gain to get labeled and attacked. While brahmin hindu extremists want Sikhism wiped off in India the atheist extremists in power in the west want the same with all religions. We are in a real struggle of freedom of religion in todays world. When people think it is better to be atheist or non-religious just look at home many wars atheist western governments have caused artound the world and mass murder of countless innocent people in the 20th and 21 centuries. Atheists (ie those who have no theologic belief in God) are the most violent people by far if we look at how many people been killed by them and prison populations and second are the muslims. But no agenda against atheist demonis-ation because they are in the majority and power and majorities when targeting a minority is very dangerous for society as they lead to social strife, violent incidents and then wars/genocides. The deliberate demon-isation and provocation by the racist brahmin hindu indian media against Sikhs, needs to be fought against in all area's of society. No Sikh I know supports the killing of innocent civilians or BKI or any other group. But even if Sikhs did support self defence armed Khalistan military organisations that would be their legimate right to do so to fend off the oppressor larger murderous state they are trying to free themselves from. Freedom does not come cheap no nation on earth has had the privilege of being granted a country without any blood price. George washington and his comrades most who were freemasons did not free America from the yolk of British rule without a fight, many thousands were killed to gain freedom from the rule of the Christian king of England. Similarly those brave Sikhs who sacrificed their lives in blood, sweat and tears for the freedom and justice for Sikhs will always be held in high regard by our community. In the UK it is dangerous to allow elemants of hindu indian extremists have their sway in UK govt agenda and policy. As Sikhs want self determination for Khalistan or who oppose indian terrorism and genocides will be lumped in with Islamic jihadi nutters whose agenda is entirely different and evil they want global islamic supremacy and 7th century laws ....Sikhs dont, we want all of humanity to prosper and live in peace with each other but we also want our rights respected to have our own nation state with its own Sikh rules and regulations just as the Jews have their own state and the muslims have countless 26 countries and atheists in Europe have nations catering for their needs. The danger of sleep walking into a totalitarian police surveillance state is very much real as these dangerous poisonous people will claim sikhs are radical because they do not allowed genocides against them happen without putting up a fight, the Sikhs dont sit there and take it like good slaves because Guru's taught as to fight abuse of power by the powerful. Are we to follow and hold the the glorious Guru's as our role models or vile corrupt politicians who sanction the murder of people and wreak lands in foreign wars for monetary economic interests? Sikhs need to be very vigilant to the dangerous agenda's these inhumane people have. And its high time Western Sikhs become politically active opposing these anti-sikh people. We need to become educated in current affairs and pay interest in the world's geo-politics. Below is an example of newspaper article which is clearly having all the hallmarks of anti-sikh propaganda material that indian brahmin hindu extremists in mainstream indian media produce time to time. http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-01-08/news/57838417_1_sikh-bki-uk-police
  16. Can somebody translate the song "panjab" by immortal productions please
  17. 1. what type of government would khalistan have would it be a democracy or a dictatorship would leaders be elected if a democracy how would a democracy in khalistan be different from a democracy in Punjab now who would make the laws in the country of khalistan especially laws regarding things like eating meat or drinking ect 2. how would khalistan deal with trade when it comes to growing its economy considering khalistan would have no ocean ports what type of deals would khalistan be forced to do with india and Pakistan in order to use these countries ports an roadways to do trade with other countries
  18. Fake accounts on facebook are being made using the name Khalistan Zindabad Force. Please avoid such accounts or if possible report them because they have absolutely nothing to do with the outfit
  19. SIkh boiled alive: Bhai Gurdev Singh Debu, from the village Dheerpur was tortured & boiled alive at the hands of Indian Government. Bhai Gurdev Singh Debu was born on July 15, 1961 in village Dheerpur, Jallandhar. His parents were Mata Gian Kaur and father Sd. Gurbachan Singh Sekhon. Bhai Gurbachan Singh was a farmer. In 1978, the Narakdhari cult with the connivance of the Government began to attack the Sikh faith and shot dead 13 Gursikhs in Amritsar on the day of Vaisakhi. The perpetrators were never brought to justice and were in fact protected by the Government. Bhai Gurdev Singh was deeply hurt by what had happened and after this began to remain very sad. He would talk to his friends about how much of an injustice had happened and expressed his desire to seek revenge on the enemies of the Panth. Bhai Sahib’s parents were alarmed at this change in nature and thought that perhaps marriage would help settle him down. Bhai Gurdev Singh was married to Bibi Balvinder Kaur and they would have one daughter and one son together. However, Bhai Sahib’s pain at the state of the Panth did not lessen. Along with the local Sangat, Bhai Gurdev Singh went to Sri Darbar Sahib and heard the lectures of Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindravale. He was so impressed that he decided to remain there with Sant jee to serve in the Dharam Yudh Morcha. After some time, Bhai Gurdev Singh became very close to Bhai Amrik Singh and Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa. From December 26 to 31, 1983, Bhai Gurdev Singh participated in a camp organized by Sant Jarnail Singh and Bhai Amrik Singh, where Gurbani, Sikh history and philosophy were taught. The goal of the camp was to create Sikh preachers who could transform the Punjab countryside. He was given a certificate at the end of the course. Bhai Sahib used this knowledge to travel to schools and colleges to establish units of the All India Sikh Student Federation. On March 2, 1984, in a conference organized by the AISSF, Damdami Taksal and others, Bhai Gurdev Singh was made the president of the Kartarpur area. After this, the police made Bhai Gurdev Singh and his family one of their main targets. His parents along with his brothers were arrested and tortured and later even his sister and wife were taken away. But Bhai Sahib did not return home after that and refused to leave his seva. Bhai Gurdev Singh travelled from village to village organizing Gurmat conferences and amrit sinchaars. Sant Jarnail Singh also gave Bhai Gurdev Singh the seva of doing saskaar of old beeRs of Sree Guru Granth Sahib at Goindval Sahib. Bhai Sahib was busy doing this seva when the Government of India attacked Sree Harmander Sahib Amritsar and slaughtered countless men, women and children. The attack on Siri Amritsar was unbearable for Bhai Gurdev Singh. Bhai Sahib joined with Bhai Manbir Singh Chaheru, Bhai Mathra Singh, Bhai Tarsem Singh KuhaaR and others to form the original Khalistan Commando Force. Bhia Gurdev Singh became the Area Commander for Doaba and participated in many actions. He was respected not only by the Singhs in the KCF, but by all Jathebandis. The police began to dread the very name of Bhai Gurdev Singh.Under the command of Bhai Gurdev Singh, Doaba did not see any looters commit crimes. They were too terrified to act. The Hindus of the area also loved Bhai Gurdev Singh since he would help poor Hindu families by giving money and not let anyone harass them. Even today, the Hindus remember Bhai Sahib and attend his yearly Martydom Memorial. The police made many tries to capture Bhai Sahib but each time were unsuccessful. But they say that when one patriot is born, thousands of traitors are born with him. One person who brought himself close to Bhai Gurdev Singh and presented himself to be a great Sikh sympathiser, invited Bhai Sahib to his home and put a powder in the milk he served. Bhai Gurdev Singh fell unconscious and was arrested in this state.The police reached the limit of brutality when they could not get any information. They boiled a tub of water and put Bhai Gurdev Singh in. The scene of Bhai Dayala in the boiling cauldron was repeated again and this Singh too did not falter. Bhai Gurdev Singh refused to speak a word and seeing his final moments before him, only cared about Gurbani. Bhai Gurdev Singh was boiled to death but did not reveal a single companion’s name, hideout or weapons cache.
  20. I noticed the large number of countries that are India's allies are holding Self determination votes or supporting them over the next year. We have Russia who supported Crimea breaking away from Ukraine. Scotland from the UK votes later this year, even Venice in Italy is voting. Quebec in Canada votes from time to time. The countries mentioned are India's friends and often oppose Khalistan to please India, I think they will find it hard to do now.
  21. WJKK WJKF I would like to ask your opinions on a few things and also showcase just how terrible Badal and other Akalis were and are. 1. Can we attain freedom/ Anandpur resolution while still remaining apart of India? or must we break free completely, I recall Sant Ji saying in one of his speeches that we aren't asking for khalistan but if it is offered we will take it and not repeat the mistake of 1947. Now the Akali betrayal post as recently around the general sangat (not just this site) some people fell that the Badals and Akali crimes are only being power hungry and controlling the SGPC. Thing is Badal and other Akalis sold out the panth and got Sikhs killed no better than Indira.
  22. First of all I don't hold the views of this article merely bringing this to light. Sikh Times it seems is also under false propaganda in one point saying Sant Ji was a gender discriminiser... Thoughts on this article - 5 Myths are also lies and cite Hindustani Times and such other filth.Myth #5: Bhindranwale Survived Operation Bluestar and Is Alive and Well Damdami Taksal is the influential religious school, once located in the village Bhinder5, where Bhindranwale was initially a student and eventually jathedar (head priest). The seminary's current jathedar, Thakur Singh, has continued to maintain that Bhindranwale is still alive.6 According to Lt. Gen. Kuldip Singh Brar, who commanded Operation Bluestar, '[the bodies] of Bhindranwale and Shahbeg were identified by a number of agencies including the police, the I.B. [intelligence Bureau] and militants in our custody.'7 Bhindranwale's brother is also reported to have identified Bhindranwale's body.8 Pictures of what appears to be Bhindranwale's body have been published in at least two widely circulated books.9,10 Whereas there can be little doubt that Bhindranwale is no more, the circumstances of his final moments remain shrouded in mystery. The New York Times reported three distinct versions of Bhindranwale's death. Veteran B.B.C. correspondent Mark Tully relates an incident during Bhindranwale's funeral. Captain Bhardwaj 'on lifting the sheet to make sure it was Bhindranwale [asked] the police why the Sant's [sant is an honorific title analogous to Saint] body was so badly battered.' A police officer replied, 'The extremists broke his bones.'11 At the other end of the spectrum lies Dilbir Singh's account. Dilbir Singh was 'Public Relations Advisor at Guru Nanak Dev University for seven years [and] was with the Sant constantly from 1978 until the last week of his life.' He was also 'at that time a correspondent of the Tribune and formerly of the Patriot.' He stated, 'In the fight Bhindranwale was injured on the right side of his temple. A government doctor verified he was captured alive. He was tortured to death.'12 R.K. Bajaj, a correspondent for Surya magazine, is said to have confirmed that 'he had personally seen a photograph of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in army custody.'13 Myth #4: Bhindranwale Was a Man of Religion Without Political Ambition Bhindranwale made repeated claims to the effect that he had no interest in political power, 'If I ever become president of the Akali Dal or the S.G.P.C. [shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee], an M.L.A., a government minister, or a member of parliament . . . I shall deserve a shoe-beating by you.'14,15 In contrast, we have the following examples of Bhindranwale's abundant political aspirations year after year: During the S.G.P.C. elections of 1979, 'Of the forty candidates Bhindranwale put up [for a total of 140 seats], all but four were defeated.'16 'For all his protestations that he was not a politician, Bhindranwale campaigned actively for the Congress in three constituencies' during the 1980 general elections.17 During the 1981 elections to the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (D.S.G.P.C.), 'in an attempt to divide Akali votes, the Congress (I) had asked the A.I.S.S.F. [All India Sikh Students Federation] to put up candidates for the Delhi gurdwaras whose campaign was led by Sant Bhindranwale. No A.I.S.S.F. candidate won.'18 At one point in 1983, the Talwandi-Tohra faction of the Akali Dal got a section of the S.G.P.C. to recommend Bhindranwale for the position of jathedar of the Akal Takht.19 According to India Today, in the months leading up to Operation Bluestar about a third of Longowal's S.G.P.C. members and district Akali Dal presidents had 'defected' to Bhindranwale.20 The Darbar Sahib's Public Relations Officer (P.R.O.) Narinderjit Singh Nanda recalled, 'Bhindranwale told me that within thirty days he was taking over the S.G.P.C.'21 However, given his poor record in electoral politics and a disinclination to play by the rules, he had little incentive to seek formal political office. He was already 'the uncrowned emperor.'22 As articulated by Time magazine, 'Bhindranwale had become so popular he had usurped the Akalis' authority.'23 He wielded more informal power than all of Punjab's formal political players combined and liked the idea of 'keeping all factions chasing his favor [whereby] no faction made a move in Punjab without considering the response it would draw from Bhindranwale.'24 Bhindranwale operated 'from inside a whale,'25 seemingly without concern for other points of view. 'In this independence lay much of Bhindranwale's appeal.'26 Yet, the same aloofness also represented his most significant weakness: a failure to participate in the democratic process. 'Villagers came to him with their problems, Bhindranwale pronounced judgments and called frightened policemen on the telephone to instruct them on how a matter was to be settled.'27 Subhash Kirpekar was 'perhaps the last journalist to meet the lion in his den.' During the interview Bhindranwale responded thus to a question on succession planning, 'It is not an elective post. I think whosoever attains the status of God will come up as my successor.'28 Myth #3: Bhindranwale Did Not Demand Khalistan In the absence of a universally accepted definition of the term 'Khalistan,' the usage here is consistent with its origin wherein Dr. Vir Singh Bhatti envisioned it in 1940 as a 'theocratic' monarchy, which would by definition be inconsistent with the Indian Constitution.29 Bhindranwale's standard response to the question of Khalistan, an independent Sikh state, was noncommittal: 'we are not in favor of Khalistan nor are we against it.'30 He often also clarified that if Khalistan came about, 'We won't reject it. We shall not repeat the mistake of 1947.'31 To that he added, 'if the Indian Government invaded the Darbar Sahib complex, the foundation for an independent Sikh state will have been laid.'32 The book Fighting for Faith and Nation: Dialogues with Sikh Militants by Cynthia Keppley Mahmood has received wide acceptance among radical Sikhs. In the book, Harpal Singh recalls a meeting with Bhindranwale during which the preacher remarked, 'staying in India would mean the genocide of the Sikhs.'33 The implication that anything short of a separate state would spell eventual disaster for the Sikhs amounted to an implicit vote for Khalistan. On other occasions Bhindranwale was more explicit, 'Frankly, I don't think the Sikhs can live with or within India.'34 The Dal Khalsa, responsible for hoisting a Khalistan flag at a Sikh convention on March 20, 1982 at Anandpur Sahib, were seen forming a protective ring around Bhindranwale when, in 1981, he was holding the police at bay at Chowk Mehta in an attempt to avoid arrest.35 Although 'Bhindranwale was never openly associated with the Dal Khalsa,' most observers regarded it as 'Bhindranwale's party.'36 In early 1983, India's intelligence is said to have obtained a copy of a letter from Bhindranwale to Jagjit Singh Chauhan in which he promised full support for Khalistan.37 Finally, while we're on the subject, we might as well also cover one other related myth, i.e. that Khalistan has never had any substantial support amongst Sikhs in India. In an interview with B.B.C. correspondent Mark Tully just days before his death, S.G.P.C. President Gurcharan Singh Tohra answered a question about his personal views on Khalistan by admitting that 'some personal desires are better kept hidden.'38 According to Ved Marwah, a former senior police officer on Indira Gandhi's 'select committee for monitoring Punjab affairs,' a majority of the Sikhs supported separatism in the wake of Operation Bluestar.39 In a recent interview,40 Lt. Gen. Kuldip Singh Brar estimated that if Khalistan had been declared prior to Operation Bluestar, 'a large section of the Punjab police might have crossed over to support Bhindranwale.' Overly optimistic claims by pro-India commentators that the Sikhs have 'moved on' are consistently belied by informed parties who note, '[Operation Bluestar] has not been forgotten, and you [the visitor] will find many people in Amritsar keen to explain the Sikh side of the story.'41 Myth #2: Only a Tiny Minority of Sikhs Revere Bhindranwale as a Martyr In Khushwant Singh's words, '[Operation Bluestar] gave the movement for Khalistan its first martyr in Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.'42 In 1985, Harkishan Singh Surjeet had optimistically announced that Bhindranwale's martyr status would only be 'temporary.'43 However, on this day last year, Joginder Singh Vedanti, the jathedar of the Akal Takht, an approximate Sikh counterpart to the Vatican, formally declared Bhindranwale a 'martyr' and awarded his son, Ishar Singh, a siropa (robe of honor).44 The function was organized by the S.G.P.C., 'a sort of parliament of the Sikhs.'45 The Encyclopedia of Sikhism, edited by Harbans Singh, a widely respected scholar of Sikh studies, describes Bhindranwale as 'a phenomenal figure of modern Sikhism.'46 Bhindranwale's posters and speeches are among the 'most popular' items at Punjab's rural fairs, held on occasions such as the Hola Mohalla festival.47 Gurtej Singh Brar, a former I.A.S. officer and S.G.P.C. National Professor of Sikhism, was suspended from the I.A.S. for making the following statement: 'The Sikh nation theory has been current among the Sikhs since the time of Guru Nanak. There should be others like Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale to lead the Sikhs and take up their cause of righteousness and truth.'48 Several North American gurdwaras prominently display Bhindranwale's pictures at entrances and in langar (community kitchen) halls. This writer has personally witnessed the phenomenon at gurdwaras in Detroit, Michigan and Toronto, Ontario (see picture). In the words of Vir Sanghvi, one of India's leading political commentators, '[bhindranwale] remains a martyr in the eyes of many Sikhs. Even today, rare is the Sikh politician who will dare to call him what he was: a fanatic and a murderer.'49 Myth #1: Bhindranwale Was Not a Terrorist In 1985, Citizens for Democracy (C.F.D.), founded by Jayaprakash Narayan and chaired by the noted civil libertarian Justice V.M. Tarkunde, produced a report on the Punjab crisis. The report, banned in India because of its strong indictment of the state, has received wide acceptance within the diaspora Sikh community despite its acknowledgement of 'Bhindranwale's role in inciting violence.'50 Violent thoughts seemed second nature to Bhindranwale. He often made extremely cruel remarks with utmost sincerity, 'If a true Sikh drinks, he should be burnt alive.'51 Tavleen Singh discovered that in Bhindranwale's darbar (court), 'concepts like non-violence were mocked and sneering remarks made about Gandhi.'52 Perhaps Khushwant Singh said it best, 'He well understood that hate was a stronger passion than love.'53 Although the 'mad monk'54 was politically astute enough to recant vicious statements made in the heat of the moment, it is instructive to note just how bellicose he was when aroused. Harmit Singh Batra was in the Darbar Sahib complex on April 13, 1978 and quotes Bhindranwale, 'We will not allow this Nirankari convention to take place. We are going to march there and cut them to pieces!'55 Following the clash with the Nirankaris on April 13, 1978, the 'Sant' and his cohorts were always armed. Bhindranwale often publicly recited his mantra, 'being armed, there is no sin greater than not seeking justice.'56 And they perceived plenty of injustice all around, which they rectified with the use of illegal force. After the assassination of the Nirankari leader Gurbachan Singh on April 24, 1980, Bhindranwale is universally acknowledged to have remarked that if he ever met Ranjit Singh, the suspected killer, he would weigh him in gold (i.e. reward him with his weight in gold).57 On October 22, 1982, Bhindranwale made a public statement threatening the 'political and physical end' of anyone who didn't press for the full implementation of the Anandpur Sahib Resolution.58 On August 17, 1983, Bhindranwale asked Sikh youth to buy a motorcycle and a revolver and threatened to kill 5,000 Hindus in an hour if the police delayed the minibus he had sent to fetch Amrik Singh who had just been released from police custody.59 During a speech on September 20, 1983, Bhindranwale stated clearly that he would 'embrace' Sikhs who exacted revenge upon those who were guilty of torturing, killing, or humiliating Sikhs. He said, 'Getting away from there is your job, protecting you here [in the Darbar Sahib complex] is mine.'60 On November 17, 1983, Bhindranwale bluntly demanded 'that all Hindus should leave Punjab.'61 During a public speech delivered on May 24, 1984 at the Darbar Sahib complex, Bhindranwale openly admitted his complicity in the gruesome beheading of Surinder Singh Chinda for his role in the elimination of Bhindranwale's leading hit man, Surinder Singh Sodhi.62 Even Bhindranwale's staunchest supporters only go as far as stating, 'Bhindranwale consistently opposed violence against any innocent person.'63 The autocratic Bhindranwale had assumed singular jurisdiction over the guilt and innocence of a good portion of India's citizens. And to him lethal violence was a justified means of punishment for those whom he considered culpable. He was the legislature, executive and judiciary all rolled into one with complete disregard for the democratic concept of the separation of powers. The result was nothing short of 'ethnic cleansing.'64 Dilbir Singh (see above) related the following account of how masterfully Bhindranwale ordered the killing of Lala Jagat Narain, proprietor-editor of the Hind Samachar group of newspapers: And in one edition Lala had written in an editorial comment that Taura [Tohra, then president of the S.G.P.C.] and Ajnoha [then jathedar of the Akal Takht] are traitors. On that day in a great fury he [bhindranwale] called upon someone to read aloud what Lala had said. There was quiet. 'Our turban has been torn from our heads,' he proclaimed. Then one of his followers asked, 'What are your orders?' Again in anger, he said 'Orders, you need orders! What orders? Are you blind?' Now you see he did not say anything. And they said it. 'O.K.' meaning thereby, we'll finish this man. So, then, 3-4 days later, Lala was coming from Ludhiana and they fired upon him.65 According to Chand Joshi, a veteran correspondent for The Hindustan Times, 'In the Nirankari Baba murder case, for instance, the C.B.I. claimed to have pin-pointed four suspects including Jarnail Singh Brar alias Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The arrest warrants had been given to the Punjab police but were not served because of 'orders from the highest quarters.' '66 It is worth noting, 'The decision to release Bhindranwale was taken by the [indira Gandhi and Zail Singh] government. It was not the verdict of a court.'67 Finally, it is impossible to accept that the people closest to Bhindranwale could consistently perpetrate monstrous violence without his endorsement. Nachhatar Singh, arrested by the police for the murder of Lala Jagat Narain, is said to have fingered Bhindranwale for ordering the killing.68 The hijackers of an Indian Airlines plane on September 20, 1981 claimed to be members of the Dal Khalsa and demanded the release of Bhindranwale, who had been arrested in connection with the murder of Lala Jagat Narain.69 In a speech, Bhindranwale 'praised his young lieutenants' for the hijacking.70 On July 18, 1982, a police party from the Beas Thana in Amritsar district stopped a jeep. Most of the occupants were residents of Bhindranwale's gurdwara Gurdarshan Parkash at Chowk Mehta. They attacked the police and were arrested. No case was initiated.71 The next day, Amrik Singh, Bhindranwale's most trusted lieutenant, and six close associates of Bhindranwale, including Bhindranwale's personal driver Kulwant Singh, were arrested for an attempt on the life of Joginder Singh Sandhu, the Nirankari Mandal's propaganda secretary.72 Concluding Remarks In closing, here is a sampling of additional points to ponder: Whereas 'nobody was ever refused an interview,'73 he refused to surrender to anyone but sufficiently orthodox Sikh policemen.74 While he professed the highest standards of Sikhism, he practiced gender discrimination.75 Although he viewed modernity as evil, he had no compunctions about using modern firearms. Whereas many Sikhs regard him as a 'messiah,'76 his 1984 prophecy failed to materialize: 'In the next ten years Sikhs will get their liberation. This will definitely happen.'77
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