Baaghi Soorme – Shaheed Bhai Satnam Singh Sheehna – Bhindranwale Tiger Force of Khalistan (BTFK)

Shaheed Bhai Sukhdev Singh – Khalistan Armed Force at wedding of Shaheed Bhai Rajwinder Singh Raja

Among the fearless warriors hailing from the Malwa region of Punjab is Shaheed Bhai Kulwant Singh Khukhrana. Bhai Sahib was born to Sardar Pala Singh and Mata Bhagwan Kaur on March 1, 1961 in village Khukhrana, district Moga. Bhai Sahib had 4 brothers and 3 sisters, Bhai Sahib’s elder brother, Bhai Balwant Singh Khukhrana also attained Shaheedi in the Sikh Freedom movement. Bhai Sahib studied at the local village school in Khukhrana until 10th class. Upon passing 10th class Bhai Sahib took admission into the Bhupindra Khalsa High School in the Moga district. Bhai Sahib remained in Moga area to pass his ITI course.

Shaheed Bhai Kulwant Singh Khukhrana

In the 1980’s Bhai Sahib was the president of the student union at ITI in Faridkot. In these days the Comrades, Narkdharis and many more cults were active in their preaching against the beliefs of the Sikh religion. At a youth festival of ITI, the Comrades came into the institute and attempted to take over the stage to speak against the Sikh struggle but Bhai Sahib, as President denied the comrades the opportunity to speak on stage. Upon hearing about this, Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale sent a message to Bhai Kulwant Singh to come to Sri Darbar Sahib to meet them. Bhai Sahib and his elder brother, Bhai Balwant Singh went to meet Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and when Sant Ji saw the two brothers, both of whom had their hair cut and beards shaven, Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale said, “Your actions at the youth festival in Faridkot were those of a Singh, your appearance should reflect that too.” After the meeting with Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, both brothers started keeping their kes (hair). Soon after Bhai Kulwant Singh began attending and participating in the All India Sikh Student Federation (AISSF) meetings and was appointed President of the Federation for the Faridkot area by Bhai Amrik Singh.

2-3 months prior to the attack on Sri Darbar Sahib, Bhai Kulwant Singh was engaged to Bibi Charanjit Kaur, daughter of Sardar Bood Singh of village Thathi Bhai also of the Moga district.

On May 31, 1984 Bhai Kulwant Singh received news of the army surrounding Sri Darbar Sahib and attempted to reach the holy city but was forced to return from the Police checkpoints which were posted all over Punjab. Following the attack on Sri Darbar Sahib which left thousands of Sikhs dead and Sri Akaal Takht Sahib in ruins, the police and army began arresting Sikh youth across Punjab to resist a backlash, many thousands were detained in jails and army camps, tortured for information and in some instances killed as a result of their injuries.

Shaheed Bhai Balwant Singh Khukhrana

A Pandit from village Khukhrana, who often spoke against Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, celebrated the attack on Sri Darbar Sahib by distributing sweets. For this reason he was punished by Bhai Kulwant Singh and Bhai Balwant Singh Khukhrana. As a result Bhai Kulwant Singh was arrested from his village and after being charged with murder along many false cases framed upon him, he was sent to Ferozpur jail where Bhai Sahib spent 18 months. In Ferozpur jail Bhai Sahib met Giani Ram Singh and Bhai Gurjant Singh Budhsinghwala where they frequently discussed the subject of the Sikh struggle. Due to the Pandit’s family withdrawing their case Bhai Sahib returned to his home in Khukhrana, however the Police demanded Bhai Sahib present himself at the Police station daily.

Upon release, the Police continued harassing the family. Even on May 7, 1986, the wedding day of Bhai Sahib and Bibi Charanjit Kaur, the Police came to intimidate and harass the family. Soon after the wedding of Bhai Kulwant Singh, Bhai Balwant Singh Khukhrana decided leaving home and going underground was the best way to avoid the continuous harassment by the Jaito police. In the following Police raids, unable to find Bhai Kulwant Singh or Bhai Balwant Singh, the Police arrested their father, Sardar Pala Singh, however the local Panchayat managed to secure his release.

Bhai Sahib’s family were facing difficult times and as a result they moved home and started living in village Bajekhana of the Moga district. Even here an informant had made the whereabouts of the family known to the police and the cycle of harassment continued. Eventually the family left and found accommodation near Sri Dukh Nivaran Sahib in Patiala with Bhai Kulwant Singh.

Shaheed Jathedar Gurjant Singh Budhsinghwala

In these days Bhai Sahib was reunited with Jathedar Gurjant Singh Budhsinghwala in Patiala and began partaking in activities under his command. Bhai Sahib continued giving speeches at Sikh Student Federation meetings and soon became the President of Sikh Student Federation in the Malwa area.

On November 10, 1986 Bhai Sahib attended the Sri Akhand Paath Sahib held in memory of Shaheed Bhai Waryam Singh Khapianwali. Bhai Sahib attended as the President of Sikh Student Federation and delivered a speech to the sangat saying: “These fake encounters and false arrests by the Indian security forces is not finishing the movement, instead it is fuelling the movement for freedom. When the racist group, Shiv Sena break the law and attack innocents in Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur the government does nothing, but when a Sikh talks about justice he or she is labelled a terrorist. If the government wants peace in Punjab then they should fulfill the basic needs of the Sikhs.”

First Action

Under the orders of Jathedar Gurjant Singh Budhsinghwala, Bhai Sahib along with his family moved to accommodation at Ludhiana University where Bhai Sahib established links with one of the Professors. It was in June 1987, when Bhai Kulwant Singh did his first action under the Khalistan Liberation Force. A SHO of Moga was infamous for raping Sikh women at police stations and killing innocent Sikhs in fake encounters. Jathedar Budhsinghwala sent Bhai Kulwant Singh with the instructions to to put a bullet in the SHO’s forehead. When Bhai Kulwant Singh encountered the SHO, he was travelling on a motorcycle which made it difficult for Bhai Sahib to put a bullet in his forehead. After some minutes of a high speed pursuit, Bhai Sahib fired at the SHO and caught him in the waist. After shooting the SHO the Singhs escaped from the area, the SHO was taken to the hospital where he named Bhai Kulwant Singh as the shooter, the following day the SHO died.

Other Actions

April 1988: The SGPC held a conference at Ludhiana University where Professor Darshan Raagi and Gurcharan Tohra where in attendance. The KLF group had decided to punish these 2 treacherous individuals. The command of this action was given to Bhai Kulwant Singh by Jathedar Budhsinghwala. Bhai Sahib, Bhai Darshan Singh Billa and Bhai Balwant Singh Khukhrana were provided with fake ID cards by a close friend of Bhai Sahib who worked at Ludhiana University as a Professor. These ID’s helped the Singhs enter the University to attend the conference. Amidst a heavy presence of the Indian security forces, a shootout took place in which 5 policemen were killed along with 8 members of Gurcharan Tohra’s party. The KLF Singhs managed to escape but Bhai Darshan Singh Billa was wounded was taken to hospital in Jalandhar for treatment.

June 25, 1988: At Nehru Park, Moga the RSS would hold training camps and daily exercises where they regularly preach hatred against the Sikhs and the Sikh Freedom Fighters. When Bhai Kulwant Singh became aware of this, he discussed with Jathedar Gurjant Singh Budhsinghwala about taking action against these camps. In a coordinated attack Bhai Kulwant Singh, Jathedar Budhsinghwala, Bhai Sarabjit Singh Jeeta of Khalistan Commando Force, Bhai Manohar Singh Dheera and Bhai Santokh Singh Fauji reached the park and threw grenades into the crowd of the RSS trainees and opened fire with their assault rifles. As a result 26 RSS men were killed and 22 were injured.

Bhai Sahib regularly met other active Jujharoos from various groups of which one was Bhai Nirmal Singh ‘Nimma’ Mianwind. Bhai Nimma requested Bhai Sahib to eliminate an evil SSP from Jalandhar who was responsible for the brutal torture and murder of many Sikhs. Bhai Nirmal Singh ‘Nimma’ explained that he could not carry out this actionn as he was known to the SSP, Bhai Kulwant Singh happily accepted to take on this task.

Shaheed Bhai Ajmer Singh Lodhiwal

August 1988: the father of the SSP had died and Bhai Kulwant Singh along with his brother Bhai Balwant Singh Khukhrana, Bhai Darshan Singh Billa and Bhai Ajmer Singh Lodhiwal attended the cremation ceremony in disguise. Seeking their opportunity the Singh’s opened fire on the SSP and in the process a Hawaldar and another policemen providing security for the SSP were also killed. The group then split up and escaped unharmed.

October 1988: Bhai Kulwant Singh arrived at Firozpur to acquire a motorcycle from Bhai Santokh Singh Fauji who alerted Bhai Sahib about a man named Nirmal Badmaash who had been spouting venom in the newspapers against the Sikh Freedom Movement. Upon hearing this, Bhai Sahib felt that Nirmal Badmaash should be punished. Bhai Kulwant Singh arranged to meet Nirmal in a shop in the guise of a journalist wishing to interview him. As Nirmal entered to give his interview he was greeted with 3 bullets and died on the spot. Bhai Kulwant Singh made his escape and left with Bhai Santokh Singh to reach a safe house in Ludhiana.

March 1989: Bhai Surinder Singh Shinda ‘Wadhaghar’ of Khalistan Commando Force and a Singh from village Bhai Ke Drolhi looted the Co-Operative Bank to help fund the Sikh Freedom Movement. The bank manager recognised Bhai Surinder Singh Shinda and was persistent in seeking his arrest. Bhai Shinda had sent many messages to the manager to quit causing problems as the money looted from the bank belonged to the Government not the manager, these warnings did not stop the bank manager from his pursuit for the Singhs through the Indian security forces. As the bank manager was from Bhai Kulwant Singh’s area, Bhai Shinda asked Bhai Sahib to take care of the bank manager. Soon after, Bhai Kulwant Singh and Bhai Balwant Singh Khukhrana eliminated the bank manager at his home. Approximately 15 days later Bhai Kulwant Singh located Hari Chand, a Commrade leader from Karnal who was a staunch opponent of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s ideology. Bhai Sahib and fellow cadre eliminated this leader also.

Shaheed Bhai Kulwant Singh Khukhrana

May 1989: A Sirsa cult leader by the name of Charan Das would often talk against Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the Khalistan movement. Bhai Kulwant Singh and a fellow cadre visited the Dera armed with an AK47. When the Singh’s entered and spotted Charan Das, they tried to open fire, but the AK47’s trigger jammed, in a quick improvisation the Singh’s grabbed swords which were hanging on the wall and cut Charan Das into pieces, whilst shouting “Khalistan Zindabad” they escaped the from the scene.

December 1989: Dr Prem Kumar of Patiala was a police informant who would pass on information of any sightings of Jujharoo Singhs or those who visited to have their wounds attended to. Bhai Kulwant Singh had visited this doctor twice for medicine and on the third occasion Bhai Sahib asked, “My friend has skin problems, can you please check him?” Dr Prem Kumar nodded and told Bhai Sahib to bring the friend to the clinic the following day. The following day Bhai Sahib came to the clinic with Bhai Darshan Singh Billa. Dr Kumar took Bhai Darshan Singh Billa and Bhai Kulwant Singh to the examination room. As they entered the room, Bhai Kulwant Singh grabbed a pillow and covered the face of the doctor which acted as a makeshift silencer as Bhai Darshan Singh Billa shot him dead. The Singhs vacated the room and escaped, the clinic staff found Dr Kumar’s dead body 10 minutes later when the puddle of blood came seeping out of the room and into the corridor.

1990: In the village Gureh, district Jagraon lived a retired officer Gurdial and his son Mukhtiar who would pass information to security forces and have Jujharoo Singhs arrested. Bhai Darshan Singh Dalla and Bhai Bhupinder Singh Kooner were amongst those arrested due to the actions of the father and son. Bhai Kuldeep Singh Sheikhapura lived nearby these informants and discussed with Bhai Kulwant Singh on how to punish them. Bhai Kulwant Singh Khukhrana, Bhai Kuldeep Singh Sheikhapura, Bhai Ajmer Singh Lodhiwal and Bhai Amarjit Singh Khullar began their planning. First they located the house of the informants. The home was surrounded by large walls so the Singhs returned at night with a ladder. Bhai Ajmer Singh Lodhiwal climbed the wall and then opened the gate to let in the other Singhs. From inside the home, Gurdial and Mukhtiar heard noises and came to inspect, but by this time Bhai Kulwant Singh had just entered the home. Spotting the father and son Bhai Kulwant Singh opened fire with his Stengun killing them both on the spot. The Singhs took their ladder and escaped. When the police came to investigate they were left baffled on how the Singh actually managed to penetrate the secure surroundings provided by the tall walls.

Shaheed Bhai Kulwant Singh Khukhrana

In February 1991, Bhai Kulwant Singh was blessed with a daughter and soon after the day came which every warrior awaits. On March 31, 1991 at approximately 3:30pm, Jathedar Gurjant Singh Budhsinghwala, Bhai Kulwant Singh Khukhrana and Bhai Manohar Singh Dheera were returning from a meeting in Moga when the police were tipped off regarding their whereabouts. Soon the Moga police was on the tail of the Singhs, and requested further assistance from Mehna police via wireless. Bhai Manohar Singh Dheera was driving the motorcycle, Jathedar Budhsinghwala was in the middle loading the revolver for Bhai Kulwant Singh, who was sitting at the back facing the chasing police, firing at them. The Mehna police had setup a roadblock causing the Singhs to take a sharp turn but this resulted in the motorcycle crashing into a tree. Bhai Manohar Singh Dheera broke a bone in the arm and Bhai Kulwant Singh was seriously injured. Bhai Sahib continued to fire at the police allowing Jathedar Budhsinghwala and Bhai Manohar Singh Dheera to escape.

The following day, April 1, 1991, the newspapers reported that Bhai Kulwant Singh Khukhrana had been killed in an intense encounter. The body of Bhai Kulwant Singh was not given to the family. Exactly 10 days after Bhai Kulwant Singh’s shaheedi, Jathedar Gurjant Singh Budhsinghwala punished SHO Gurbachan who led the police during the encounter in which Bhai Kulwant Singh Khukhrana attained Shaheedi.

Information gathered from family of Shaheed Bhai Kulwant Singh Khukhrana.

In the Sikh Movement for Freedom, one name which appears with high regard in the Majha area of Panjab is that of Shaheed Bhai Waryam Singh Booraynangal. Bhai Waryam Singh was born in village Booraynangal, situated a few miles from Gurdwara Achal Sahib (built in memory of Guru Nanak Dev Ji) in district Gurdaspur. Bhai Waryam Singh was born to Sardar Nazar Singh and Bibi Swaran Kaur in 1971 and was the youngest of 3 brothers.

Shaheed Bhai Waryam Singh Booraynangal

Bhai Waryam Singh completed his primary education at the nearby village of Rangarhnangal, after which at the age of 12 years became a student at Damdami Taksal. Whilst studying at Damdami Taksal, Bhai Waryam Singh became greatly influenced by Sant Jarnail Singh and took Amrit during his stay here. Bhai Waryam Singh began santhiya (correct pronunciation) of the Nitnem Bani’s and very quickly learned the 5 Nitnem Banis as well as Asa Di Vaar & Sukhmani Sahib by heart. Bhai Waryam Singh was also given santhiya of the entire Sri Guru Granth Sahib on 2 occasions by the Damdami Taksal teachers.

During these days, the June 1984 attack on Sri Darbar Sahib, code-named Operation Bluestar, took place which shook the Sikh Nation to the core. Bhai Waryam Singh only aged 13 at the time also felt the impact. Bhai Waryam Singh felt that the Indian Government had issued a challenge to the Sikh Nation, and it was time for the Sikhs to respond. Bhai Waryam Singh and Bhai Sukhwinder Singh aka Ladoo Sirhind were eager to carry out actions against the security forces who had swarmed Punjab, however with no weapons and no training this was not possible, thus both Singhs left for Pakistan where Jujharoo training camps had been set up. Upon crossing the border into Pakistan, Bhai Waryam Singh & Bhai Sukhwinder Singh were caught by the Pakistani Army, and imprisoned.

BTFK Chief: Shaheed Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal

Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal heard the story of the Bhujangi Singh, and ordered for his release. This led to Bhai Waryam Singh joining the Bhindranwale Tiger Force of Khalistan, under his leadership. Often when the Jujharoo group were residing at a hideout, the residents would point at Bhai Waryam Singh and ask Baba Manochahal “who is this Bhujangi?” Baba Manochahal would then introduce the family to Bhai Waryam Singh and say “although young in age, his actions are very big”. Bhai Waryam Singh had not even yet developed any facial hair when he joined the ranks of the Jujharoo Singhs, due to which he would sometimes be disguised as a girl to pass the security forces checkpoints and relay information to the Jathebandi Singhs.

When Sant Jarnail Singh voluntarily courted arrest on September 20, 1981 in connection with the murder of Lala Jagat Naryan, a comrade from Mehta Chowk area on the instructions of the Government gave evidence against Sant Jarnail Singh. The case was later thrown out due to insufficient evidence, but the comrade had ultimately signed his own death warrant.

Shaheed Bhai Waryam Singh Booraynangal

Bhai Waryam Singh was staying in room number 13, beside Sri Akal Takht when he was assigned his first mission. Bhai Waryam Singh and Bhai Daswandha Singh Basarke hunted and gunned down the comrade along with his bodyguard. Upon completion of this mission, Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal promoted Bhai Waryam Singh and and assigned him the duty of gathering and distributing weapons amongst the Jathebandi Singhs. Whilst occupying this duty Bhai Waryam Singh came into contact with the highly regarded Jujharoos of the BTFK such as Bhai Surjeet Singh Behla, Bhai Jagtar Singh Bhorshi, Bhai Sukhdev Singh Maddi, Bhai Gurmej Singh Geja & Bhai Daya Singh Chohla Sahib.

Shaheed Bhai Nishan Singh Makhu (KLF) & Shaheed Bhai Waryam Singh Booraynangal (BTFK)

Bhai Waryam Singh was respected by all Jujharoo Jathebandis (Militant Groups) and also took part in missions alongside the Singhs of Khalistan Commando Force and Khalistan Libertion Force’s Nishan Singh Makhu. Bhai Waryam Singh was particularly close to the Khalistan Commando Force due to his time spent at Mehta Chowk, as the majority of students from Damdami Taksal had gone onto join the ranks of Baba Manochahal’s BTFK or the Khalistan Commando Force. Shaheed Bhai Sukhdev Singh Jhamka & Shaheed Bhai Harjinder Singh ‘Jinda’ Aadowali both of the KCF had great admiration for Bhai Waryam Singh.

Still in his teens, Bhai Waryam had become a fearless soldier under the guidance and leadership of the Jathebandi General Baba Manochahal. Bhai Waryam Singh was not afraid to take on the security forces single handedly, which he showed in a shootout at village Jandiala Guru, Amritsar. Bhai Waryam Singh had been waiting the arrival of his fellow Singhs as he spotted the Hindustani forces vehicles approaching. Bhai Waryam Singh advanced opening fire at the incoming vehicles before making his getaway. The firing also alerted the Singh’s who were en-route to meet Bhai Waryam Singh and they too managed to get away safely.

Bhai Waryam Singh spent time doing Seva and in the state of Uttar Pardesh (UP), before returning to Punjab a few months later. Bhai Waryam Singh’s name was mentioned throughout the newspapers of Punjab with links to actions taking place, even Intelligence Bureau chief Maloy Krishna Dhar makes mention of Bhai Waryam Singh Booraynangal in his book titled ‘Open Secrets’.

During the peak time of the Sikh struggle, the Indian Government was trying its best to malign and infiltrate the movement, and as such equipped and entered their own agents (CATS) within the Sikh Jathebandi’s. One such officer was Inspector Gurnam Singh aka Dr Rana, who had a group of 10 CATS operating under him. One Police CAT from village Keerhi, district Gurdaspur named Daljit was ordered to infiltrate the BTFK group to feed back information on the hierarchy of the group. His prime objective was to rise through the ranks and eventually kill BTFK chief Baba Manochahal.

Deputy Chief (BTFK): Shaheed Bhai Surjeet Singh Behla

On one instance, Daljit CAT along with Bhai Waryam Singh & Bhai Surjit Singh Behla were traveling via motorcycle to meet Baba Manochahal when suddenly they were fired upon by the CRPF. Both Bhai Waryam Singh & Bhai Surjit Singh Behla returned fire and a lengthy encounter took place in the middle of the night. Eventually the Tiger Force Singhs managed to break the cordon and escape.

After this incident a meeting took place and suspicion arose on Daljit CAT as he was reluctantly firing back during the encounter and was one of the few people who knew of the route the Singhs would be traveling. Upon investigation into the matter, it became clear of Daljit’s treachery and he was punished soon after.

Shaheed Bhai Waryam Singh Booraynangal

Bhai Waryam Singh was completely dedicated to the Sikh Freedom movement, he had left his family behind and only met with them if an urgent situation arose. Even then he would only meet for a few minutes before leaving for his next destination. One time Bhai Sahib’s mother brought up the subject of marriage, Bhai Sahib simply replied “I am married to my Shastars now”.

After the death of Daljit CAT, Inspector Gurnam who operated as a weapons dealer under the name of Dr Rana sent a message to Bhai Waryam Singh to arrange a meeting regarding supplies of arms. He stated that Bhai Sahib come alone and unarmed. At this point, Dr Rana had made himself familiar with the BTFK Singhs and his connection to Daljit CAT was unknown to Bhai Waryam Singh. The meeting took place at the home of Nirmal Singh from village Kaka Kandhiala, situated at the side of Tarn Taran. As Bhai Waryam Singh entered the home, Dr Rana’s group of CAT’s surrounded then restrained him, before turning Bhai Waryam Singh over to the Tarn Taran police.

During interrogation Bhai Waryam Singh was asked about the locations of the top BTFK Singhs. Bhai Waryam Singh worked out a scheme in order to alert the Jathebandi Singhs of his capture. He revealed to the police that a meeting of all top BTFK operatives was due to take place at a Gurdwara in village Rataul (Tarn Taran). Immediately SP Harjit Sio along with the CRPF surrounded Gurdwara Bhai Maha Singh in Rataul. All throughout the night the CRPF remained stationed here but nobody had entered nor left. In the morning the Tarn Taran police took Bhai Waryam Singh to Rataul village and when they entered the Gurdwara Sahib only the Sewadars of the Gurughar were present.

Furious with Bhai Waryam Singh for wasting their time, the Punjab Police too him back to the interrogation centre, where he was inhumanely tortured for information of BTFK Chief Baba Manochahal’s whereabouts.

On the other side, Bhai Waryam Singh’s plan had worked, his visit to the village with the police had alerted the villagers of his arrest and quickly the news reached back to the BTFK Singhs. In order to free their Lt. General, the BTFK Singhs began a series of high profiled kidnappings. These included the brother of Amritsar’s DC, the son of a DSP, a close acquaintance of SSP Swaran Ghotna, the father of senior police official Mehal Bhullar and a close acquaintance of Minister MS Gill.

However, Bhai Waryam Singh had attained Shaheedi at the hands of Punjab Police whilst in custody. The DC of Amritsar held a press conference in which he showed photographs of Bhai Waryam Singh’s body and urged the BTFK Singhs to release their hostages. Many of Baba Manochahal’s close associates were released from jails in return for the BTFK Singh’s to release their hostages. Dr Rana’s close acquaintance Nirmal Singh was punished by the BTFK Singhs for his role in Bhai Waryam Singh’s capture.

Residents of Booraynangal had held an Akhand Paath Sahib for the well-being of Bhai Waryam Singh upon hearing of his arrest, but the news of Bhai Sahib’s Shaheedi came before the Bhog. On September 4, 1990 UNI news agency report published in Ajit newspaper stated the “Shaheedi of BTFK’s top Lt. General Bhai Waryam Singh Booraynangal who carried a reward of 1 Lakh Rupees.”

On the 1st Shaheedi anniversary of Bhai Waryam Singh held in his village Booraynangal, sangat attended in large numbers despite the harassment and deterring presence of the CRPF. Baba Thakur Singh whom often listened to Bhai Waryam Singh’s recitations of Bhagat Kabir Ji’s Saloks with affection during their time at Damdami Taksal visited with along their Jatha to pay homage to Bhai Waryam Singh and a Kavishri Jatha sung the ballads of Bhai Waryam Singh’s courage and sacrifice.

Article by Bhai Papalpreet Singh, printed in Shamsheer-e-Dast magazine (August 2008).
Translated by NeverForget84.com

The great Sikh general of the 20th century – Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindrawale organized the Sikh nation against the Indian state and initiated a fierce struggle which was taken part by countless warriors who gave away their lives for the sake of Dharam (righteousness/religion). Among those countless warriors was Bhai Gurpal Singh ‘Pala’ from the Doaba region of Punjab. Bhai Gurpal Singh was born on April 15, 1965 in the Neelowal Patti of village Bilga, situated in Tehsil Phillaur, District Jalandhar into the household of Sardar Ajit Singh and Bibi Harbhajan Kaur.

Village Bilga has been honored with the blessed presence of the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji. When Guru Sahib were travelling from Goindwal Sahib to Mao Sahib for their marriage to Mata Ganga Ji, they stopped for three days at village Bilga. In the fifth Guru’s remembrance a historical Gurdwara Sahib is situated in the village.

Shaheed Bhai Gurpal Singh Pala

Bhai Gurpal Singh was a bright and cheerful child. He obtained his primary education from a Govt school in Bilga. Upon completing 12th grade at Santa Singh Secondary School in Bilga, he took admission in Guru Nanak National College, Nakodar for B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) studies. Whilst in 10th grade he became an active member, and later, the secretary at Tehsil level of the communist-influenced organization S.F.I (Student Federation of India). However, whilst doing his undergrad at the college in Nakodar he came in contact with the members of All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF). The AISSF as an organization was considered most instrumental in inspiring the youth to walk on the path of Sikhi in those days. During his college days Bhai Gurpal Singh worked under the leadership of Bhai Parmjit Singh Malhi. He also came in contact with Shaheed Bhai Satpal Singh Dhillon, General secretary of AISSF and Bhai Manjit Singh Manna, also from village Bilga.

Shaheed Bhai Manjit Singh Manna

Bhai Gurpal Singh ‘Pala’ became actively involved in the day-to-day activities of the Federation and thus an integral part of the Federation’s struggles and successes. As a politically involved and enthusiastic Sikh youth, he came into the notice of the Police. In June 1984 the Indian army attacked Sri Darbar Sahib and Sri Akal Takhat Sahib in order to decimate the Sikh struggle. During this curfew-like situation in Punjab, Police officer Jaskirat Singh of Noormehal arrested Bhai Gurpal Singh ‘Pala’ from his home with the help of the CRPF. Blindfolded they took him to an undisclosed location. The Indian state wanted to arrest all the enthusiastic and politically involved youth in a bid to subdue any opposition from the Sikh Nation. But little did it realize that people who carry the pain of each and every bullet fired on Sri Darbar Sahib and Sri Akal Takhat Sahib in their hearts will never rest.

The family learned after several days that Bhai Gurpal Singh was being illegally detained at the military hospital in the Jalandhar camp along with countless other Singhs. About a month later he was presented at a court in Phillaur. Eventually he was released after his father paid for his bail.

On February 2, 1986 Saroops of Guru Granth Sahib Ji were burnt at Shri Guru Arjan Dev Gurdwara, Nakodar. The AISSF and people of the area observed a protest march in Nakodar city peacefully to show resentment against this and for the arrest of culprits. But the Police instead of arresting them gave them Police protection.

On February 4, 1986 Baba Joginder Singh, state leaders and members from almost every unit of Punjab belonging to the Federation along with local residents gathered in a great strength outside Nakodar city at Sherpur bridge side. It was decided that the Sangat (congregation) would proceed to the Gurudwara, led by the Panj Pyare to retrieve the Saroops of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which were burnt by anti social elements so that they may be taken to Kiratpur Sahib for their last rites.

The Panj Pyare were leading the Sangat reciting Satnam-Vaheguru, as they started to move toward the Gurdwara, the Police firstly start moving backward but when the Sangat reached near the municipal corporation post, without warning began firing on the unarmed protestors. Bhai Ravinder Singh, Bhai Baldhir Singh Fauji and Bhai Jhalman Singh who were three of the Panj Pyare were killed on the spot. The Police hunted the people running back, about 15 young men where further injured, a few young men jumped into wells to protect themselves from the Police. Few headed into nearby fields and about 30 were arrested by the Police. Bhai Harminder Singh, president of Khalsa College Jalandhar unit of the Federation was arrested in the presence of people from the saw mill of Natha Singh. Jaskirat Singh (SHO) shot him in the mouth with revolver after telling him that you have made many speeches with this tongue, today we will stop it forever.

1986 Nakodar Saka Shaheeds

After this police took the bodies of the 4 Singhs to the mortuary house of Nakodar Civil Hospital and ordered for their postmortems, however Bhai Harminder Singh had actually survived from the gunshot wound. As preparations were being made to operate on Bhai Harminder Singh, the police swiftly came with a van and ordered to refer Bhai Harminder Singh to the Civil Hospital Jalandhar. En-route to the hospital at village Lambra on Nakodar to Jalandhar road the Police again shot Bhai Harminder Singh and this time killed him. In Police reports the place of death was shown as Civil Hospital Jalandhar.

Bhai Gurpal Singh ‘Pala’ was present at the Nakodar encounter and was a close companion of Bhai Jhalman Singh. Witnessing the martyrdom of his companions further infuriated him against the brutality of the Indian state.

In these days the Sikh youth began striking back, the Kesri (saffron) revolution began punishing the brutal opposition one-by-one. Whoever came in the way of blessed path of attainment of Khalistan, was finished off by the Jujharoo Singhs. The Singhs who had given away the comforts of their home, to sacrifice their life for the well-being of the Sikh Nation were held in high respect by Bhai Gurpal Singh ‘Pala’. He considered the service of these Singhs, such as to provide them with food and shelter, and to help them in any possible manner as his foremost duty.

Shaheed Bhai Gurpal Singh Pala

Bhai Gurpal Singh ‘Pala’ was becoming a thorn in the side of the Punjab Police, therefore Policeman Gajjan Singh of Nasrake (Gurdaspur) arrested him for the possession of an unlicensed pistol. The Police heavily tortured Bhai Gurpal Singh, tearing apart his legs, and crushing his legs with a heavy roller. He was seriously injured as such that his family provided for his medical expenses worth hundreds of rupees each day. When police could not extract any information out of him, they sent him to the Central Jail in Jalandhar through court proceedings.

During his jail time he came in contact with Dr. Barjinder Singh Panjwar who was the Federation leader in the Majha region. About three months later he was released on bail. His father Sardar Ajit Singh was also tortured at various places including CIA Staff Jalandhar and the Police post at Noormehal.

Shaheed Bhai Gurnek Singh ‘Neka’ aka Baba Hari Singh: Lt. General – Khalsitan Commando Force

Upon release Bhai Gurpal Singh ‘Pala’ came in close contact with Bhai Gurnek Singh ‘Neka’ aka Baba Hari Singh – Lt. General of the Khalistan Commando Force (KCF); famously known for his role in the assassination of vulgar singer Chamkila. Operating under the guidance of Bhai Gurnek Singh ‘Neka’ was Bhai Gurdeep Singh ‘Deepa’ Heran Wala. Bhai Gurpal Singh became acquainted with Bhai Gurdeep Singh ‘Deepa’ and often provided shelter for their unit at his home.

Bhai Gurpal Singh provided the Jujharoos with food, clothing and shelter. On the other hand, the Punjab Police provided their touts with alcohol, drugs and cash incentives to obtain and report back information of those harboring the Singhs. Despite the Police being aware of the safe haven offered for the Jujharoo Singhs and conducting regular raids on Bhai Pala’s home the Police forces were never successful in capturing a single Jujharoo.

Bhai Gurpal Singh ‘Pala’ never went underground and was arrested on several occasions. The infamous Police officer Swarn Ghotna used to interrogate him often at CIA Staff Jalandhar. In the name of interrogation Bhai Gurpal Singh was inhumanely tortured. Swarn Ghotna was the loyal servant of SSP Suresh Arora, at his behest Ghotna would torture Bhai Gurpal Singh till unconsciousness but the determined Singh would not utter a word of information about his companions.

Shaheed Bhai Manjit Singh ‘Billa’: Lt. General – Khalsitan Commando Force

Thanedar Harmail Singh from Noormehal also detained Bhai Gurpal Singh under his authority and began to torture him for information regarding the ammunition of KCF Singhs and the whereabouts of Bhai Gurdeep Singh ‘Deepa’. On each occasion the Police where unable to extract a shred of information from Bhai Gurpal Singh and were forced to release him. However, Harmail Singh was a power hungry officer who indulged in the killings of innocent Sikh youths in order to reap cash rewards, soon after he was rewarded with a promotion to DSP of Phillaur for killing Bhai Manjit Singh ‘Billa’ (KCF). The sacrifice of Bhai Manjit Singh had a profound effect on Bhai Gurpal Singh, such that he did not eat for many days upon hearing the news.

Bhai Gurpal Singh returned home but did not shy away from his Panthic responsibilities, he was highly respected within the militant circles for his pleasant nature and everybody took his advice seriously. The KCF held a meeting under the command of Bhai Gurdeep Singh Deepa at the farm of Bhai Gurpal Singh Pala. Here plans were made to kill the prominent Communist leader Sarwan Cheema, who served as a police tout and used to issue challenges to the Jujharoo Singhs. In completion of this task Sarwan Cheema along with his five bodyguards were fired upon and shot dead, talk in Police circles was that “He was fired upon by Deepa, but it was Pala’s brain behind this assassination”.

Shaheed Bhai Gurpal Singh Pala

Sarwan Cheema’s assassination sent shivers down the spine of Indian forces. Police officers were now afraid of going near the house of Bhai Gurpal Singh. They knew fully well that they could be meted out the same treatment that was given to Sarwan Cheema. Bhai Gurpal Singh’s association with Jujharoo Singhs, along with his own intelligence and dynamism had frightened the Punjab Police. Bhai Gurpal Singh fearlessly continued in serving the Jujharoos, whenever the Singhs approached Bhai Gurpal singh, he would provide them with every possible help.

The Police and their touts were looking for ways in which they could capture Bhai Gurpal Singh without alerting any of his companions. On March 14, 1992 on the tip-off from an informant Bhai Gurpal Singh was apprehended from Nakodar bus station. The Punjab Police with the help of CRPF shot Bhai Gurpal Singh Pala. He spilled his blood to further the cause of Khalistan. The Police took Bhai Gurpal Singh to the hospital to remove the bullet before taking him to an undisclosed location where he was tortured and martyred. Bhai Gurpal Singh ‘Pala’ did not waver from the path shown by Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale and gave away his life walking on this path. His Shaheedi (martyrdom) will serve as an inspiration until the Indian tricolor is replaced by the flowing Nishan Sahib of the Sikh nation – Khalistan.

Article by Bhai Papalpreet Singh, printed in Shamsheer-e-Dast magazine (August 2009).
Translated by NeverForget84.com

Bhai Gurmeet Singh ‘Champion’ Babbar was born on March 23, 1962 to Sardar Sohan Singh and Mata Rattan Kaur in village Saidowal Khurd, district Gurdaspur. Bhai Gurmeet Singh’s great grandfather, Sardar Tarlochan Singh aka Baba Akaliya was arrested, imprisoned and physically tortured during the Jaito Morcha at time of the British occupation. During the agitations Sardar Tarlochan Singh also suffered from a bullet wound which pierced through his chest. Bhai Gurmeet Singh grew up listening to the experiences of his great grandfather and courageous tales of Sikh warriors. Situated 3km from Saidowal Khurd is Gurdwara Shota Ghallughara Sahib, where in 1746AD over 17,000 Sikhs were Martyred at the hands of the Mughal forces. Yearly commemorative programs would take place at this Gurdwara Sahib where Dhadhi’s and Kavishris would sing ballads of the brave Sikh’s sacrifices, listening to these inspired Bhai Gurmeet Singh immensely, he would often say I too wish to follow in the footsteps of these warriors and attain Shaheedi for the Panth.

Shaheed Bhai Gurmeet Singh ‘Champion’ Babbar

After completing 10th grade, Bhai Gurmeet Singh enrolled for ITI Electrical course. As a keen and gifted Kabbadi player, Bhai Gurmeet Singh was well known in the area and due to his prowess in the sport was nicknamed ‘Champion’ by the locals.

In 1982 the Dharam Yudh Morcha began where thousands of Sikh’s courted arrest, seeking political autonomy in Punjab. Bhai Gurmeet Singh’s cousin Bhai Paramjit Singh Bhankala was an active AISSF member and heavily involved in the Morcha activities, Bhai Gurmeet Singh joined his cousin and too began participating in the Morcha.

In June 1984, the Indian Army attacked Sri Darbar Sahib killing thousands of innocent Sikhs including elders, women and children. This event had a profound effect on Bhai Gurmeet Singh who decided he could no longer sit at home, and joined the Sikh resistance movement.

Shaheed Bhai Gurmeet Singh ‘Champion’ Babbar

Bhai Gurmeet Singh came into contact with Bhai Anokh Singh Babbar and joined the Babbar Khalsa group. When Bhai Anokh Singh was arrested, Bhai Gurmeet Singh assembled a team which included Bhai Gurwinder Singh & Bhai Harbhajan Singh Mand to free Bhai Anokh Singh from police custody. On February 12, 1987 the team led by Bhai Gurmeet Singh in broad daylight attacked the Police Party escorting Bhai Anokh Singh to Ludhiana court. The Singh’s managed to free Bhai Anokh Singh and escape. Pleased with Bhai Gurmeet Singh’s daringness to carry out such a mission, Bhai Anokh Singh Babbar said “Gurmeet Singh, you are the Champion of champions”.

Shaheed Bhai Gurmeet Singh ‘Champion’ Babbar

On February 2, 1988 Bhai Gurmeet Singh was arrested by Malerkotla Police. After being inhumanely tortured for 1 and a half months, half a dozen cases were registered against him in Tanda, district Hoshiarpur and he was sent to Hoshiarpur jail. From here Bhai Gurmeet Singh was moved to Sangrur jail then finally Nabha maximum security jail. Even from prison Bhai Gurmeet Singh managed to fulfill his Panthic responsibilities as the commander of the Babbar Khalsa from Ropar, Sangrur and Ludhiana area. Bhai Gurmeet Singh received bail on March 7, 1989 but was immediately reprimanded at the gates of Nabha jail by Gurdaspur police and taken to Gurdaspur jail.

Shaheed Bhai Gurmeet Singh ‘Champion’ Babbar

Upon release Bhai Gurmeet Singh continued his activities. Operating under the aliases Dr Daler Singh and Baba Gajjan Singh participated in many attacks on anti-Sikh individuals and the security forces. The police would tremble at the mention of his name.

Finally, on January 16, 1992 fell prey to Police CAT Teja Malerkotla’s scheming ways and attained Shaheedi on Gill Road, Ludhiana in an encounter with the Police.

Article printed in Sikh Shahadat magazine (January 2008)
Translated by NeverForget84.com

Amongst the brave Sikh Freedom Fighters hailing from the Malwa region of Punjab, the name of Bhai Darshan Singh Babbar is held in high regard. Bhai Darshan Singh was born on June 17, 1951 in village Aklia Khurd, district Bathinda into the household of Sardar Hazura Singh and Mata Daleep Kaur.

Shaheed Bhai Darshan Singh ‘Aklia’ Babbar

Bhai Darshan Singh was a religious individual and eager to serve the Sikh nation and became connected with the Sikh Sangarsh when they came in contact with Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhindranwale in 1980 when Sant Ji visited a Gurudwara in Gangsar, from this meeting Bhai Darshan Singh developed contact with Sant Jarnail Singh and Singh’s of Damdami Taksal. Bhai Darshan Singh was thereafter given the responsibility of doing sewa in Talwandi Sabo area. It was here that Bhai Darshan Singh learned of the Indian Army attack on Sri Darbar Sahib in June 1984. Unable to reach Sri Darbar Sahib due to curfew and Army checkpoints, Bhai Darshan Singh decided to go underground and join the Sikh resistance movement.

In February 1988, Bhai Darshan Singh was arrested and after enduring a lengthy period of inhumane torture was sent to jail. After spending 9 months in jail Bhai Darshan Singh received bail and was released to return home where he attempted to return to a normal life and look after his elderly parents. However the local Police made it a priority to harass and abuse the family on a regular basis. Eventually in September 1990, Bhai Darshan Singh left his family home and once again went underground. At this point Bhai Darshan Singh was actively involved in Sewa with Babbar Khalsa Jathebandi and began punishing the anti-Sikh elements in the area.

Shaheed Bhai Balwinder Singh ‘Ganga’ Babbar

Bhai Darshan Singh did sewa alongside many Singhs including:
Bhai Balwinder Singh ‘Ganga’ Babbar
Bhai Umarpal Singh Babbar
Bhai Harminder Singh ‘Grewal’ Babbar
Bhai Jaskaran Singh ‘Rupana’ Babbar
Bhai Gurmeet Singh ‘Laadi’ Babbar
Bhai Malkeet Singh Dansingh Wala

Shaheed Bhai Darshan Singh ‘Aklian’ Babbar

Bhai Darshan Singh fought valiantly and won many battles against the Indian security forces and as such commanded respect from Freedom Fighters in the area and was deeply feared by the security forces. During encounters with the Police, officers were known to hide behind one another to prevent themselves from participating, such was their fear of Bhai Darshan Singh. In some instances, the fearless Bhai Darshan Singh would dress as a Police Inspector to pass Police checkpoints in the area and was so convincing that many officers would stop to salute Bhai Darshan Singh as he passed through.

Shaheed Bhai Darshan Singh ‘Aklian’ Babbar

Bhai Darshan Singh rose through the ranks of the Jathebandi and following the Shaheedi of Bhai Balwinder Singh ‘Ganga’, was appointed the Chief of Malwa zone for the Babbar Khalsa. Bhai Darshan Singh was now wanted in connection with dozens of cases across Punjab, Delhi and Haryana which included the assassinations of former MP’s Shaminder Singh (Akali Dal Badal), Hakam Singh Meeyan (Congress) as well as killings of Chairman of Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (Delhi) Dr Tiyagi, President of BJP (Mansa), a Nirinkari from village Sukhana, Sarpanch of village Blahar Vinjhu and Tehsildar of Mansa. Cases of assassinations of biased Hindu media journalists, firing upon BSF, CRPF and Punjab Police were also registered against Bhai Darshan Singh and the Babbars of Malwa zone.

Sadly, much like throughout Sikh history, it was the treachery and betrayal by those considered as their own that led to the fateful end of the Singhs. Many of these Singhs were arrested due to infiltration of the group by a Police informant and subsequently attained Shaheedi in fake police encounters. Bhai Darshan Singh along with Bhai Jugraj Singh ‘Rasheen’ Babbar, Bhai Pargat Singh ‘Fauji’ Babbar, Bhai Gurmeet Singh ‘Laadi’ Babbar, Bhai Davinder Singh ‘Kalsian’ Babbar were captured alive during Police raids and later killed in fake Police encounters. However, the story fed to the media during a press conference held by the Police, was that 6 Singh’s had been killed during an intense and lengthy encounter on March 6, 1993, near the village of Balluana, Bathinda.

Taken from Twareek Babbar Khalsa by Bhai Karamjit Singh Sikhanwala

Shaheed Bhai Baljinder Singh was born in the village of Pandori Bibi, district Hoshiarpur. Bhai Baljinder Singh was the only brother of two sisters and grew up in a Sikhi environment and regularly visited Gurdwara Harkowal, where he would go to listen to Kirtan and Katha. Bhai Sahib’s father had had passed away during his childhood, leaving the mother to raise the family, which she did with great love and affection.

Shaheed Bhai Baljinder Singh Pandori

Bhai Baljinder Singh completed his metric education at Bassi Daulat Khan and in these days the Dharam Yudh Morcha was making the headlines. In June 1984, the Indian Army launched its assault on Sri Darbar Sahib and the resulting beadbi of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, destruction of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and deaths of innocent pilgrims really angered and frustrated Bhai Baljinder Singh which led him to supporting the Sikh Resistance movement. The Police were on full alert to monitor activities of Sikh youth and detain without cause, as such Bhai Baljinder Singh was also picked up from his home and brutally tortured. This however did not deter Bhai Sahib and once he was released he continued in Panthic activities.

When Bhai Baljinder Singh’s companions Bhai Jasveer Singh ‘Lali’ and Bhai Balwinder Singh ‘Binda’ were encountered by CRPF Commando Bhagat Singh. Bhai Sahib along with other Sikh youth from his village were arrested and tortured before being framed in cases and sent to jail.

Shaheeds: Bhai Swaran Singh Bisrampur & Bhai Kirpal Singh Damunda

After being released from jail Bhai Sahib returned to his village and began farming, but the police harassment continued. Eventually Bhai Baljinder Singh left his home, land and family and joined the Sikh Freedom Fighters. Joining the ranks of the Khalistan Commando Force alongside Bhai Kirpal Singh Damunda, Bhai Swaran Singh Bisrampur and from his village Bhai Jasveer Singh ‘Bibi’, the Singh’s began punishing the anti-Sikh elements in their region.

On January 11, 1993, the Punjab Police received a tip-off regarding the location of Bhai Baljinder Singh’s group. In large numbers the Police surrounded the Singh’s in village Satowali and the encounter began. Whenever the police entered the home where Bhai Sahib and his group were located they never able to leave, they were either shot dead or left trapped. Thanedar Balkar Singh was also trapped in this way and it was only when the Police ripped out the roof of the kitchen was he able to get out of the house. After a long hard fought battle Bhai Kulwinder Singh ‘Pinky’ and Bhai Jasveer Singh ‘Bibi’ attained Shaheedi and Bhai Baljinder Singh had been shot in the thigh and was injured but managed to successfully escape.

In March 1993, as Bhai Baljinder Singh and his companions were travelling to Sri Anandpur Sahib for Hola Mohalla they were being followed by Police Cats. Their information was relayed back to the security forces and as Bhai Sahib was returning, the Police surrounded him at village Hareempur near Kartarpur. on March 11, 1993 Bhai Baljinder Singh followed in the steps of his companions and attained Shaheedi.

Article printed in Sikh Shahadat magazine.
Translated by NeverForget84.com

Shaheed Bhai Kulwant Singh Gumty was born into the Gursikh family of Sardar Surjit Singh and Mata Gurdev Kaur in December 1963, in village Gumty Kalan, district Bathinda. Bhai Kulwant Singh was educated till 4th grade at Govt High School (Gumty) and completed his middle education at Arya High School (Nabha) before returning to Gumty to complete 10th grade. During his high school years Bhai Kulwant Singh was a promising athlete and a state level Kabaddi player and whilst at T.P.D Malwa College Rampura Phul, became an acclaimed weightlifter, competing at University level.

Shaheed Bhai Kulwant Singh Gumty

In 1983 Bhai Kulwant Singh met Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and took Amrit from the 5 Beloved Singhs (5 Pyare) and became a close acquaintance of Bhai Amrik Singh which led him to joining the All India Sikh Student Federation (AISSF). Due to Bhai Kulwant Singh’s dedication and determination, students from across the district were joining the Federation and in reward for his hard work Bhai Kulwant Singh was appointed in charge of the Bathinda unit of AISSF. In March 1984, the Indian Government banned the AISSF and began arresting activists of the Federation. In May 1984, Bhai Kulwant Singh was charged and arrested under the National Security Act (NSA) but later released when the government of Surjit Barnala came into power in Punjab under its initiative of releasing Sikh prisoners/activists under the age of 20.

When Bhai Kulwant Singh was released from jail, the Police attempted to frame him in cases of murder but were unsuccessful in capturing him, then one day Bhai Kulwant Singh was surrounded outside SD College, Barnala by the CRPF. Bhai Kulwant Singh managed to fight off a unit of CRPF personnel but was eventually overpowered and detained as reinforcements arrived. Bhai Kulwant Singh was kept in Police custody for 27 days before being presented in court. Whilst in custody, the Punjab Police brutally tortured Bhai Kulwant Singh, his thighs were pierced and nails were pulled out. The Police were desperately seeking information on known associates who were underground at the time but Bhai Kulwant Singh did not reveal a shred of information. Bhai Kulwant Singh was moved from jail to jail, he spent time in Bathinda, Sangrur and Nabha jail before being released on bail in 1989.

Upon release from jail Bhai Kulwant Singh continued his activities as Sikh Students Federation leader of Bathinda but was forced to go underground when he was implicated by a Comrade in an incident which took place during his time at Rampura Phul.

Shaheed Bhai Kulwant Singh Gumty

Bhai Kulwant Singh then joined the armed struggle and participated in many guerrilla actions, working closely with members of the Khalistan National Army and Saffron Tiger Force of Khalistan before forming his own unit with Bhai Shamsher Singh Shera, Bhai Yadwinder Singh Yadu, Baba Bohar Singh & Bhai Baldev Singh Majha. This group came to be known as the Liberation Tigers of Khalistan (LTK). Bhai Kulwant Singh was considered to be an “intellectual militant” and believed in the process of exhausting all means before resorting to the use of weapons. He openly declared that no innocent Hindu’s or Police officers would be indiscriminately targetted.

An example of Bhai Kulwant Singh’s fairness was displayed during an incident which took place as he was being produced in court during Police remand. The van in which Bhai Kulwant Singh was being transported met with an accident resulting in the death of a Hawaldar, injuries sustained by Sipahis and the Thanedar breaking both his legs. Miraculously Bhai Kulwant Singh did not receive a single scratch and the Thanedar pleaded for his life to be saved offering to open Bhai Kulwant Singh’s chains on the condition that he would assist the injured and not escape. Bhai Kulwant Singh replied “a Sikh of the Guru does not desert a person in need”. Despite having the opportune moment to escape along with the weapons of the Police, Bhai Kulwant Singh attended to the wounded and then drove the van to the court, presenting himself before the judge who lauded his actions and refused to extend further Police remand.

On the other hand, those who’s actions led to the harassment/torture of villagers and arrests/shaheedi of Jujharu Singh’s were not spared. One such person was a Police informant from village Gumty who reported Sikh families offering shelter and food to the Jujharus. Upon identifying the informant Bhai Kulwant Singh dressed as a Police officer knocked on the door of the informant who initially believed he was being visited by the Police to be rewarded for his work, though he quickly realised that was not the case. The crime of running his mouth was met with a fitting punishment as Bhai Kulwant Singh placed a pistol in the informant’s mouth and pulled the trigger. SSP Sharma of Bathinda also suffered the same fate at the hands of Bhai Kulwant Singh for brutally torturing and killing Sikhs.

Bhai Kulwant Singh Gumty and the Liberation Tigers of Khalistan (LTK) continued their activities in the Malwa region of Punjab and worked with alongside a number of groups including the Khalistan Liberation Force led by Bhai Gurjant Singh Budhsinghwala. Although unclear of his exact involvement, the name of Bhai Kulwant Singh Gumty also features in many reports during the kidnapping of Romanian diplomat Liviu Radu in October 1991 who was taken in attempt to secure the release of Bhai Harjinder Singh ‘Jinda’ and Bhai Sukhdev Singh ‘Sukha’.

Shaheedi Saroop of Bhai Kulwant Singh Gumty

On March 13, 1992 Bhai Kulwant Singh Gumty was surrounded by the Punjab Police at village Chak Atar Singh Wala (Bathinda) where a firefight took place eventually resulting in Bhai Kulwant Singh Gumty’s Shaheedi. Bhai Kulwant Singh fought valiantly till his last breath against the large numbers of the Police causing many casualties.

Following the Shaheedi of Bhai Kulwant Singh Gumty, Bhai Baldev Singh Majha became the General of Liberation Tigers of Khalistan (LTK) and was later succeeded by Baba Bohar Singh Khan.

Born to Master Dhian Singh and Mata Gurmej Kaur, Bhai Paramgurpreet Pal Singh ‘Punia’ was the youngest of 4 children. Bhai Sahib had 2 elder brothers and one sister, his eldest brother Shaheed Bhai Ajegurpreet Pal Singh aka Babeki Singh was a Lt. General in the Bhindranwale Tigers Force of Khalistan (Sheena Group).

Shaheed Bhai Paramgurpreet Pal Singh ‘Punia’

Bhai Punia being the youngest child was given the most affection and love from his family, he was a mischievous child who always had a smile on his face, he excelled in studies and sports. Upon completing Higher Secondary studies Bhai Punia gained admission into Punjab University, Chandigarh.

Bhai Punia was a talented artist and would often create great pieces of art, winning many awards for his work. One could say he was a perfectionist, as any painting he had made but disliked, he would through it away. One such painting that Bhai Punia threw away, his friend had picked up and entered it into a painting competition under his own name. This painting won the 1st prize at the competition and a monetary award. Bhai Punia’s friend then came to present the reward money to him, but he would not accept it based on his principle that the painting was not worthy of any award.

Bhai Punia graduated top of his class from Punjab University, Chandigarh in 1988. In these days the Punjab Police and Hindustan security forces were imposing their reign of terror on the Sikh youth, whereby Sikh youth would be illegally detained, tortured and even killed. Bhai Punia’s brother Bhai Ajegurpreetpal Singh and cousin Bhai Gurlat Singh Fauji (Area Commander BTFK) were among the big name Jujharoo Singhs fighting agaisnt the state oppression. Due to being related to the Freedom Fighters, Bhai Punia and his family often faced harassment and threats of execution from the Police and BSF. For this reason Bhai Punia’s father sent him abroad to Germany, where he arrived in 1989.

Shaheed Bhai Paramgurpreet Pal Singh ‘Punia’

During the period of 1989-1992 Bhai Punia remained in Germany, where he kept himself in touch with the Sikh Freedom Movement and provided monetary support to the BTFK. In 1992 Bhai Punia decided to join his brothers in arms and enter the battlefield. At the end of 1992, Bhai Punia joined the ranks of the Khalistan Commando Force under the leadership of Bhai Paramjeet Singh Panjwar. Due to being a well educated and intelligent individual as well as posessing great athletic attributes and deep knowledge of Gurbani, Bhai Punia was highly impressed and respected by those around him including Dr Pritam Singh Sekhon (KLF), Bhai Mehal Singh Babbar and Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara. During his stay with Bhai Parmjeet Singh Panjwar in 1993, Bhai Punia learned of the Shaheedi of his elder brother Bhai Ajegurpreet Pal Singh, but this news did not deter him from his goal.

Shaheed Bhai Paramgurpreet Pal Singh ‘Punia’ (Centre)

Having undertaken full weapons training, Bhai Punia was ready to participate in the armed Sikh struggle. In 1995 a group of 15-20 Singhs prepared to carry out some high level co-ordinated attacks on enemies of the Sikh Panth entered Punjab, but due to the betrayal of traitors of the Panth, the group was apprehended by the security forces and then taken to various interrogation centres and blindly tortured. After this point no information came to light as the the whereabouts of those Singhs, of which Bhai Punia was one. Perhaps they were killed in fake encounters, like thousands of others before them and their bodies discarded. The family of Bhai Paramgurpreet Pal Singh was never given a body nor an official death certificate, perhaps in order to torment the family further, leaving them in hope that one day their son may return home.

ਸਿੱਖ ਪੰਥ ਦੀ ਅਜ਼ਾਦ ਵਿਚਾਰਧਾਰਾ ਤੋਂ ਚਿੜ ਕੇ ਜਿੱਥੇ ਕਈ ਤਰਾਂ ਦੇ ਦੁਸ਼ਟ ਸਿੱਖਾਂ ਸਿਰ ਨਵੀਆਂ ਭਾਜੀਆਂ ਚਾੜਦੇ ਰਹੇ, ਤਾਂ ਦੂਜੇ ਪਾਸੇ ਇਹ ਭਾਜੀਆਂ ਮੋੜਨ ਲਈ ਗੁਰੂ ਕੇ ਲਾਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੂਰਮੇ ਵੀ ਅਜਿਹੇ ਕਈ ਦੁਸ਼ਟਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਅਤ ਕਿਲਿਆਂ ਚ ਜਾ ਕੇ ਧੁਰ ਦੀ ਗੱਡੀ ਚਾੜਦੇ ਰਹੇ। ਇਤਿਹਾਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਅਜਿਹੇ ਮਹਾਨ ਸੂਰਮਿਆਂ ਦੀ ਕਤਾਰ ਬਹੁਤ ਲੰਮੀ ਹੈ। ਇਹਨਾਂ ਸ਼ਹੀਦਾਂ ਦੀ ਕਤਾਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੀ ਸ਼ਹੀਦ ਭਾਈ ਅਜੈਬ ਸਿੰਘ ‘ਮਹਾਂ ਕਾਲ’ ਦਾ ਨਾਂ ਵੀ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਬਾਰੇ ਆਮ ਸਿੱਖ ਸੰਗਤਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਬਹੁਤਾ ਪਤਾ ਹੀ ਨਹੀਂ। ਭਾਈ ਅਜੈਬ ਸਿੰਘ ਦੇ ਪਿਤਾ ਦਾ ਨਾਂ ਸ. ਗੁਰਦੀਪ ਸਿੰਘ ਅਤੇ ਮਾਤਾ ਜੀ ਦਾ ਨਾਂ ਬੀਬੀ ਗੁਰਬਚਨ ਕੌਰ ਸੀ। ਇਹਨਾਂ ਦਾ ਜਨਮ ਪਿੰਡ ਪੱਖੋਪੁਰ ਨੇੜੇ ਚੋਹਲਾ ਸਾਹਿਬ (ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ) ਵਿੱਚ ਹੋਇਆ। ਆਪ ਸੱਤ ਭੈਣ-ਭਰਾਵਾਂ ਚੋ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਡੇ ਸਨ। ਆਪ ਦੇ ਬਾਕੀ ਭੈਣ-ਭਰਾਵਾਂ ਦਾ ਵੇਰਵਾ ਇਸ ਤਰਾਂ ਹੈ-ਕਸ਼ਮੀਰ ਕੌਰ, ਕਰਨੈਲ ਕੌਰ, ਦਲਬੀਰ ਸਿੰਘ, ਸਿਮਰਜੀਤ ਕੌਰ, ਸੁਖਵਿੰਦਰ ਕੌਰ ਅਤੇ ਨਰਿੰਦਰ ਕੌਰ।

Shaheed Bhai Ajaib Singh Mahakal

ਭਾਈ ਅਜੈਬ ਸਿੰਘ ਛੋਟੀ ਉਮਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੀ ਨਿਹੰਗ ਸਿੰਘਾਂ ਦੇ ਬਿਧੀ ਚੰਦੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਦਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਾ ਰਲੇ। ਸੰਨ 1983 ਚ ਚੱਲ ਰਹੇ ਧਰਮ ਯੁੱਧ ਮੁਰਚੇ ਸਮੈਂ ਪੁਲੀਸ ਨੇ ਇੱਕ ਵਾਰ ਬਾਬਾ ਬਕਾਲਾ ਵਿਖੇ ਨਿਹੰਗ ਸਿੰਘਾਂ ਦੇ ਹੈੱਡਕੁਆਰਟਰ ਤੇ ਧਾਵਾ ਬੋਲ ਕੇ ਕਾਫ਼ੀ ਨੁਕਸਾਨ ਕੀਤਾ ਇਸ ਤੇ ਆਪ ਜੀ ਰੋਹ ਵਿੱਚ ਆ ਗਏ। ਆਪ ਉਸੇ ਹੀ ਵੇਲੇ ਸੰਤ ਜਰਨੈਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਭਿੰਡਰਾਂਵਾਲਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਕੋਲ ਆ ਗਏ ਤੇ ਜੂਝਾਰੂ ਜਥੇ ਚ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹੋ ਗਏ। ਫਿਰ ਛੇਤੀ ਹੀ ਆਪ ਨੇ ਕੁਝ ਸਿੰਘਾਂ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਜਾ ਕੇ ਬਾਬਾ ਬਕਾਲੇ ਵਾਲੀ ਭਾਜੀ ਮੋੜਨ ਹਿੱਤ ਫੱਤੂ ਢੀਂਗਾ ਵਿਖੇ ਪੁਲੀਸ ਚੌਂਕੀ ਤੇ ਹਮਲਾ ਕੀਤਾ। ਦੂਣ-ਸਵਾਈ ਭਾਜੀ ਮੋੜਨ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ-ਨਾਲ ਸਾਰੇ ਹਥਿਆਰ ਵੀ ਲੁੱਟ ਲਿਆਂਦੇ। ਓਦੋਂ ਪੁਲੀਸ ਮੁਖੀ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਭਿੰਡਰਨੇ ਮੰਨਿਆ ਕਿ ਇਹ ਕਾਂਡ ‘ਬਾਬਾ ਬਕਾਲਾ ਕਾਂਡ’ ਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਤੀਕਰਨ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਕਾਂਡ ਦੀ ਏਨੀ ਚਰਚਾ ਹੋਈ ਕਿ ਜਿਸ ਨੇ ਵੀ ਕਿਸੇ ਨੂੰ ਧਮਕੀ ਦੇਣੀ ਹੁੰਦੀ, ਉਹ ਫੱਤੂ ਢੀਂਗਾ ਬਣਾ ਦੇਣ ਦੀ ਗੱਲ ਕਰਦਾ ਸੀ। ਇਹਨਾਂ ਹੀ ਦਿਨਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਇੱਕ ਹਿਰਦੇਵੇਦਕ ਘਟਨਾ ਵਾਪਰੀ। ਜ਼ਿਲਾ ਫ਼ਿਰੋਜ਼ਪੁਰ ਦੇ ਫਾਜ਼ਿਲਕਾ ਰੋਡ ਤੇ ਮਮਦੋਟ ਨੇੜੇ ਪੈਂਦੇ ਕਸਬੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਸਹਾਏ ਦੇ ਇੱਕ ਥਾਣੇ ਚ ਬਿੱਛੂ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਇੱਕ ਥਾਣੇਦਾਰ ਨੇ ਇੱਕ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਧਾਰੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਦੀ ਦਾੜੀ ਜਬਰੀ ਕੱਟ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਤੇ ਵੜੀ ਨਾਲ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਕਿਹਾ:’ਜਾਹ ਜਾ ਕੇ ਭਿੰਡਰਾਂਵਾਲੇ ਨੂੰ ਕਹਿ ਦੇ, ਜੋ ਕਰਨੈਂ ਕਰ ਲਏ।’

Sant Jarnail Singh Delivering Speech

ਉਹ ਪੀੜਿਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਸੰਤ ਜਰਨੈਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਕੋਲ ਆ ਪਹੁੰਚਿਆ। ਸੰਤਾਂ ਦਾ ਖੂਨ ਖੌਲ ਉੱਠਿਆ ਫਿਰ ਸੰਤ ਜਰਨੈਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਮੰਜੀ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਵਿਖੇ ਸੰਗਤਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਸੰਬੋਧਨ ਕਰਦਿਆਂ ਇਸ ਘਟਨਾ ਦੀ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਦਿੱਤੀ। ਉਹ ਕੈਸਿਟ ਅੱਜ ਵੀ ਮੌਜੂਦ ਹੈ। ਸੰਤਾਂ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ:
‘ਉਹ ਸਿੰਘ ਅੱਜ ਇੱਥੇ ਈ ਆ, ਸਟੇਜ ਤੇ ਆਇਆ ਕਿ ਨੀਂ ਸਿੰਘ ਉਹ? ਕਿਉਂ ਭਈ ਸਟੇਜ ਤੇ ਆਇਆ ਕਿ ਨੀਂ ਲਹਿਰ ਸਿੰਘ? ਉਹ ਸਿੰਘ ਇੱਥੇ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਿਵਾਸ ਵਿੱਚ ਦਾਸ ਦੇ ਕੋਲ ਆ ਅੱਜ। ਲਹਿਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਉਹਦਾ ਨਾਂਅ ਵਾ, ਜੱਟਾਂ ਵਾਲੀ ਪਿੰਡ ਉਰਫ ਰਾਮ ਨਗਰ, ਫਾਜ਼ਲਕਿਆਂ ਤੋਂ 4 ਕਿੱਲੋਮੀਟਰ ਦੀ ਦੂਰੀ ਤੇ ਐ। ਬਿੱਛੂ ਰਾਮ, ਨਾਂਅ ਈ ਪਹਿਲੀ ਵੇਰ ਸੁਯਿਐ, ਅੱਗੇ ਤੇ ਕਦੇ ਸੁਣਿਆ ਨੀਂ ਸੀ। ਬਿੱਛੂ ਰਾਮ ਥਾਣੇਦਾਰ ਆ ਕੋਈ ਓਥੋਂ ਸਦਰ ਦਾ। ਉਹਨੇ ਉਸ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੂੰ ਪਕੜਿਆ ਉਹਦਾ ਗ਼ੁਨਾਹ ਕੀ ਸੀ?..ਕਿ ਰਾਹ ਰੋਕੂ ਮੋਰਚੇ ਦੇ ਵਿੱਚ ੪ ਤਰੀਕ ਨੂੰ ਉਹਨੇ ਆਪਣੀਆਂ ੫ ਬੱਚੀਆਂ, ਇੱਕ ਘਰ ਵਾਲੀ ਤੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਸੱਤਾਂ ਜੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਸਮੇਤ, ਸੜਕ ਦੇ ਉੱਪਰ ਛਤੀਰੀਆਂ ਰੱਖ ਕੇ, ਛਤੀਰੀਆਂ ਸੀ ਉਹਦੇ ਕੋਲ, ਘਰ ਵਿੱਚ, ਉਹ ਲਿਆ ਕੇ ਸੜਕ ਤੇ ਰੱਖ ਦਿੱਤੀਆਂ ਉੱਪਰ ਆਪ ਬੈਠ ਗਏ, ਬਾਣੀ ਪੜਨੀ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤੀ। ਢਾਈ ਘੰਟੇ ਇੱਕਲੇ ਨੇ ਟ੍ਰੈਫ਼ਿਕ ਜਾਮ ਰੱਖੀ ਆ, ਇੱਕਲੇ ਨੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਸਮੇਤ, ਹੋਰ ਕੋਈ ਵੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਨਾਲ ਨਹੀ ਸੀ ਲਿਆ, ਥਾਣੇ ਲਿਜਾ ਕੇ ਕੁੱਟਿਆ। ਉਹ ਪੁੱਛਦਾ ਕੁੱਟਦਾ ਕਿਉਂ ਆਂ? ਕਹਿਣ ਲੱਗਾ – ਤੂੰ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਕਿੱਥੋਂ ਛਕਿਆ? ਉਹਨੇ ਕਹਿ ਦਿੱਤਾ-ਭਿੰਡਰਾਂਵਾਲਿਆਂ ਕੋਲੋਂ। ਕਹਿੰਦਾ ਫਿਰ ਆ ਜਾਹ ਤਾਹੀਏਂ ਤਾਂ ਪੁੱਛਿਆ। ਕੁੱਟ-ਕੁੱਟ ਕੇ ਉਹਦੀ ਸੱਜੀ ਲੱਤ ਜਿਹੜੀ ਬਹੁਤ ਮੋਟੀ ਕੀਤੀ ਸੁਜਾ ਦਿੱਤੀ। ਉਹਦੀ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਜੀ! ਦਾੜੀ ਮੁੰਨ ਦਿੱਤੀ। ਦਾੜੀ ਮੁੰਨ ਕੇ ਤੇ ਮੇਰੇ ਕੋਲ ਭੇਜ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਤੇ ਨਾਲ ਇਹ ਕਹਿ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਕਿ ਜਾਹ ਜਾ ਕੇ ਭਿੰਡਰਾਂਵਾਲੇ ਨੂੰ ਕਹਿ ਦੇ, ਜਿਹੜਾ ਕੁਝ ਕਰਨਾ ਕਰ ਲਏ। ਇਹ ਪਤਾ ਭਈ ਦਾੜੀ ਕੱਟੀ ਕਿਹੜੀ ਗੱਲੋਂ ਆਂ? ਇਹ ਮੈਂ ਦੱਸਣਾ ਚਾਹਾਂਗਾ, ਪੁਲੀਸ ਵਾਲ਼ਿਓ ਤੇ ਸੀ.ਆਈ.ਡੀ. ਵਾਲਿਓ ਤੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਸੰਗਤ ਨੂੰ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਕਰਾਂਗਾ। ਸਿੰਘੋ ਦਾੜੀ ਕੱਟੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਧਾਰੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਦੀ ਤੇ ਕੱਟੀ ਆ ਕੇਵਲ ਇਸ ਕਰਕੇ ਕਿ ਤੂੰ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਭਿੰਡਰਾਂਵਾਲਿਆਂ ਤੋਂ ਛਕਿਐ। ਕਾਂਡ ਕਿਤੇ ਕੋਈ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ, ਮਗਰੋਂ ਕਹਿੰਦੇ ਜੀ ਭਿੰਡਰਾਂਵੇਲੇ ਨੇ ਕਰ ਤਾਂ। ਜਿਹਨੂੰ ਘਰੋਂ ਫੜ ਲੈਂਦੇ ਉਹਦੀ ਛਿੱਲ ਲਾਹ ਦਿੰਦੇ ਕੁੱਟ-ਕੁੱਟ ਕੇ, ਉਹਨੂੰ ਪੁੱਠਾ ਲਟਕਾ ਦਿੰਨੇ ਆਂ..ਤੇ ਸਿੰਘਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਦਾੜੀਆਂ ਕੱਟਣੀਆਂ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤੀਆਂ ਜਾਂ ਤਾਂ ਕੁੱਟਣ ਵੇਲੇ ਵੀ ਪੁੱਛ ਲਿਆ ਕਰੋ ਬੰਦਾ ਸਹਿਮਤ ਜਾਂ ਨਈ। ਦਾੜੀ ਮੁੰਨ ਕੇ ਮੇਰੇ ਕੋਲ ਭੇਜਿਆ ਤੇ ਨਾਲ ਬੜਕ ਮਾਰੀ ਆ ਭਿੰਡਰਾਂਵਾਲੇ ਨੂੰ ਕਹਿ ਦੇ ਜਾ ਕੇ ਜਿਹੜਾ ਕੁਝ ਕਰਨਾ ਈ ਕਰ ਲੈ। ਮੈਂ ਤਾਂ ਹੁਣ ਚੁੱਪ ਆਂ, ਕਰਨਾ ਮੈਂ ਏਥੇ ਕੀ ਆ? ਪਰ ਜੇ ਕੁਝ ਹੋ ਜਾਵੇ ਤੇ ਮੁੜ ਕੇ ਕਹਿੰਦੇ ਜੀ 506 ਦਫ਼ਾ ਦੇ ਅਧੀਨ, ਇਹਦੇ ਤੇ ਕੇਸ ਦਰਜ ਕਰ ਲਉ ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਇਹਨੇ ਮੰਜੀ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੀਵਾਨ ਹਾਲ ਤੋਂ ਨਾਂਅ ਰਲੀਜ਼ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤੇ। ਕਹਿ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਫਲਾਣੇ-ਫਲਾਣੇ ਨੇ ਪਾਪ ਕੀਤਾ। ਓ ਜਿਹੜੇ ਬੰਦੇ ਨੇ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਧਾਰੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਦੀ ਦਾੜੀ ਕੱਟੀ ਆ, ਉਹਨੂੰ ਮੁਆਫ਼ ਕਰਨਾ, ਏਦੋਂ ਵੱਡੀ ਬੇਫ਼ਕੂਫੀ ਕੀ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੀ ਆ? ਕਿੱਡਾ ਵੱਡਾ ਪਾਪ ਕਿਸੇ ਨੇ ਕੀਤਾ, ਉਸ ਪਾਪ ਦਾ ਜ਼ਿੰਮੇਵਾਰ ਕੌਣ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ? ਉਹਨਾ ਗ਼ੁਨਾਹ..? ਕਿੰਨੀ ਦੁਨੀਆਂ ਨੇ ਮੋਰਚੇ ਚ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਲਿਆ। ਕਿੰਨੀਆਂ ਸੰਗਤਾਂ ਨੇ ਸ਼ਾਂਤਮਈ ਗੋਗ਼ੀਆਂ ਖਾਧੀਆਂ, ਉਹਦੇ ਵੀ ਇੱਕ ਅੱਧੀ ਲੰਘਾ ਦਿੰਦੇ;ਅਸੀਂ ਸ਼ਰਧਾਂਜ਼ਲੀ ਉਹਨੂੰ ਵੀ ਦੇ ਦਿੰਦੇ। ਆਹ ਅਖੰਡ ਪਾਠ ਜਿੱਥੇ ਇੱਕੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਕੀਤਾ, ਬਾਹੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਕਰ ਲੈਂਦੇ, ਪਰ ਦਾੜੀ ਕੱਟ ਕੇ ਤੇ ਫਿਰ ਇਹ ਕਹਿਣਾ ਜਾਹ ਕੇ ਤੇ ਭਿੰਡਰਾਂਵਾਲੇ ਨੂੰ ਕਹਿ ਦੇ, ਮੇਰੇ ਕੋਲ ਤੇ ਸੁਨੇਹਾ ਪੁੱਜ ਗਿਆ ਤੇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਨ, ਮੈਂ ਤਾਂ ਅਜੇ ਕੋਈ ਐਲਾਨ ਵੀ ਨੀਂ ਕੀਤਾ, ਨਾਂਅ ਵੀ ਨੀਂ ਲਿਆ, ਚੁੱਪ ਬੈਠਾਂ ਤੇ ਵਿਚੋਲੋ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਹੀ ਭੇਜਣੇ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤੇ ਆਂ। ਤਿੰਨ ਵੇਰਾਂ ਤੇ ਆ ਚੁੱਕੇ ਆ ਕੱਲ ਦੇ,’ਜੀ ਸੰਤਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਕਹੋ, ਮੈਥੋਂ ਗ਼ਲਤੀ ਹੋ ਗਈ, ਮੈਂ ਕਹਿ ਤਾਂ ਬੈਠਾਂ, ਅੱਗੇ ਵਾਸਤੇ ਕੁਝ ਨੀ ਕਰਦਾ।’ ਓ ਭਲਿਆ ਮਾਣਸਾ ਮੈਂ ਤੇ ਕਿਹਾ ਹੀ ਕੁਝ ਨੀਂ, ਨਾ ਮੈਂ ਮੂੰਹੋਂ ਬੋਲਿਆ, ਨਾ ਮੈਂ ਹੁਣ ਹੀ ਬੋਲਦਾਂ। ਓ ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਹੱਥ ਸਿਰੇ ‘ਤੇ ਪਾ ਲੈਂਨੇ ਆਂ, ਪਿੱਛੋਂ ਥਿੜਕੀ ਜਾਨੇ ਆਂ। ਜਿਵੇਂ ਬੱਕਰੀ ਪਾਲੇ ਨਾਲ ਕੰਬਦੀ ਆ, ਇਸ ਤਰਾਂ ਕਰਨ ਲੱਗ ਪੈਨੇ ਆਂ, ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਈ ਕੁਝ ਸੋਚ ਕੇ ਹੱਥ ਪਾਇਆ ਕਰੋ। ਸੋ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਜੀ ਜਿਹੜੇ ਇਹੋ ਜਿਹੇ ਲੋਕ ਆ, ਮੈਂ ਆਹਨਾਂ ਭਈ ਸਾਰੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਵੀ ਮਰ ਜਾਈਏ, ਸ਼ਾਇਦ ਕੋਈ ਨੁਕਸਾਨ ਨਈਂ ਹੋਵੇਗਾ ਪਰ ਸਿੱਖ ਦੀ ਦਾੜੀ ਮੁਨਾ ਕੇ ਤੇ ਤਾਹਨਾ ਮਰਵਾ ਕੇ ਕੋਲ ਬਿਠਾ ਕੇ ਬੈਠੇ ਰਹਿਣਾ, ਮੈਂਸਮਝਨੈਂ ਏਦੋਂ ਵੱਡੀ ਬੁਜ਼ਦਿਲੀ ਤੇ ਕਾਇਰਤਾ ਆਪਣੇ ਵਾਸਤੇ ਹੋਰ ਕੋਈ ਨੀਂ। ਇਸ ਪਾਸੇ ਸਾਰਿਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਧਿਆਨ ਦੇਣ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਆ।’

ਸੰਤ ਜਰਨੈਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਤੋਂ ਇਹ ਹਿਰਦੇਵੇਦਕ ਘਟਨਾ ਸੁਣ ਕੇ ਭਾਈ ਅਜੈਬ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਹਾਂਕਾਲ, ਭਾਈ ਜਰਨੈਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਬਹੂ ਤੇ ਭਾਈ ਰਸਾਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਆਰਿਫਕੇ ਤਿੰਨੇ ਹੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਬਿੱਛੂ ਰਾਮ ਦੀ ਸੁਧਾਈ ਲਈ ਨਿਕਲ ਤੁਰੇ, ਦਿਨ ਬੀਤਣ ਲੱਗੇ ਤੇ ਇਸ ਤਰਾਂ ਇੱਕ-ਇੱਕ ਦਿਨ ਕਰ ਕੇ ਸਾਢੇ ਸੱਤ ਮਹੀਨੇ ਲੰਘ ਗਏ। ਨਾਲ ਦੇ ਸਿੰਘਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਖ਼ਦਸ਼ਾ ਹੋਣ ਲੱਗਾ ਕਿ ਇਹ ਤਿੰਨੇ ਸਿੰਘ ਕਿਤੇ ਪੁਲੀਸ ਦੇ ਕਾਬੂ ਨਾ ਆ ਗਏ ਹੋਣ? ਪਰ ਮਿਤੀ 18 ਦਸੰਬਰ 1983 ਨੂੰ ਰੇਡੀਓ ਵਿੱਚ ਇੱਕ ਖ਼ਬਰ ਆਈ। ਖ਼ਬਰ ਸੀ: ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰਸਹਾਏ ਦੇ ਇੱਕ ਥਾਣੇਦਾਰ ਬਿੱਛੂ ਰਾਮ ਨੂੰ ਤਿੰਨ ਅਣਪਛਾਤੇ ਬੰਦਿਆਂ ਨੇ ਗੋਲੀਆਂ ਮਾਰ ਕੇ ਮਾਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਹੈ। ਕਾਤਲ ਫ਼ਰਾਰ ਹੋ ਗਏ ਹਨ। ਕਾਤਲਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਫੜਨ ਲਈ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਭਰ ਚ ਪੁਲੀਸ ਨੂੰ ਚੌਕਸ ਕਰ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ..।’ ਪਰ ਇਸ ਖ਼ਬਰ ਤੋਂ ਥੋੜੇ ਸਮੇਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਹੀ ਇਹ ਤਿੰਨੇ ਸਿੰਘ ਦੁਸ਼ਮਣ ਦੀਆਂ ਅੱਖਾਂ ਚ ਘੱਟਾ ਪਾਉਂਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਸੰਤ ਜਰਨੈਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਕੋਲ ਆ ਪਹੁੰਚੇ। ਸਿੰਘਾਂ ਦੇ ਇਸ ਅਹਿਮ ਕਾਰਨਾਮੇ ਦੀਆਂ ਵਾਰਾਂ ਵੀ ਬਣੀਆਂ, ਜਿਨਾਂ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਕੁਝ ਕੁ ਵਾਰਾਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਕਈ ਸਿੰਘਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਅਜੇ ਵੀ ਮੁੱਖ ਲਾਈਨਾਂ ਯਾਦ ਹਨ:

ਖੜਾ ਦਾਣਾ ਮੰਡੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਬਿੱਛੂ
ਸਿੰਘ ਵੇਖ ਪੈ ਗਏ ਪਿੱਸੂ
ਉਹਨਾਂ ਕਰ ਤੀ ਡਿੱਸੂ ਡਿੱਸੂ
ਗੁਰੂ ਹਰ ਸਹਾਏ
ਬਿੱਛੂ ਦੇ ਸੱਪ ਲੜ ਗਿਆ
ਬਿੱਛੂ ਦਾ ਚੰਦ ਚੜ ਗਿਆ
ਬਿੱਛੂ ਰਾਮ ਦਾ ਕੱਛੂ ਬਣਾ ਤਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਰਦਾਰਾਂ ਨੇ..

ਬਿੱਛੂ ਰਾਮ ਦੇ ਸਿਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਹਿਲੀ ਗੋਲੀ ਮਾਰਨ ਵਾਲਾ ਨਿਸ਼ਾਨਚੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਅਜੈਬ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਹਾਂਕਾਲ ਹੀ ਸੀ। ਇਹ ਪਹਿਲੀ ਗੋਲੀ ਉਸ ਨੇ ਦੂਰੋਂ ਹੀ ਬਿੱਛੂ ਰਾਮ ਦੇ ਸਿਰ ਦਾ ਨਿਸ਼ਾਨਾ ਬਣਾ ਕੇ ਉਸ 303 ਬੋਰ ਦੀ ਕੱਟੀ ਹੋਈ ਰਾਈਫ਼ਲ ਨਾਲ ਮਾਰੀ ਸੀ, ਜੋ ਉਸ ਨੇ ਫੱਤੂ ਢੀਂਗੇ ਥਾਣੇ ਚੋਂ ਲੁੱਟੀ ਸੀ। ਇਸ ਪਹਿਲੀ ਗੋਲੀ ਬਿੱਛੂ ਰਾਮ ਪਲਟੀ ਖਾ ਕੇ ਡਿੱਗਾ। ਫਿਰ ਭਾਈ ਰਸਾਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੇ ਨੇੜੇ ਜਾ ਕੇ ਆਪਣੀ ਕਾਰਬਾਈਨ ਨਾਲ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਛਲਣੀ ਕਰ ਸੁੱਟਿਆ। ਜਰਨੈਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਬੂਹ ਨੇ ਮੋਟਰ ਸਾਈਕਲ ਤਿਆਰ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਸੀ, ਦੁਸ਼ਟ ਦੀ ਸੁਧਾਈ ਪਿੱਛੋਂ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੈਕਾਰੇ ਛੱਡਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਹਰਨ ਹੋ ਗਏ। ਇਸ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਭਾਈ ਅਜੈਬ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਹਾਂਕਾਲ ਨੇ ਹੋਰ ਵੀ ਕਈ ਕਾਰਨਾਮੇ ਕੀਤੇ ਕਈ ਪੁਲੀਸ ਵਾਲਿਆ ਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਭਰਮ ਵੀ ਹੋ ਗਿਆ ਕਿ ਸ਼ਾਇਦ ਵਧੇਰੇ ਦੁਸ਼ਟ ਸੋਧਣ ਕਰ ਕੇ ਹੀ ਅਜੈਬ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੂੰ ‘ਮਹਾਂਕਾਲ’ ਕਿਹਾ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਜਦੋਂ ਜੂਨ 1984 ਚ ਹਿੰਦੋਸਤਾਨੀ ਹਕੂਮਤ ਨੇ ਦਰਬਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਤੇ ਫ਼ੌਜੀ ਹਮਲਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਤਾਂ ਭਾਈ ਅਜੈਬ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਹਾਂਕਾਲ ਦੀ ਡਿਊਟੀ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ ਤਖ਼ਤ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੇ ਸੱਜੇ ਪਾਸੇ ਇੱਕ ਮੋਰਚੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੀ। ਇਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਸਨ – ਭਾਈ ਧੀਰਾ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਹਾਂਕਾਲ, ਭਾਈ ਜਰਨੈਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਬੂਹ, ਭਾਈ ਸੁਖਦੇਵ ਸਿੰਘ ਭੱਠਲ ਭਾਈ ਕੇ, ਭਾਈ ਜਸਵਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ। ਇਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਕੋਲ ੩ ਐਲ.ਐਮ.ਜੀ.ਸਨ। ਇਹ ਸਾਰੇ ਸਿੰਘ ਵੀ ਦੁਸ਼ਮਣ ਦੇ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਦਰਬਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੀ ਪਵਿੱਤਰ ਧਰਤੀ ਤੇ ਧਰੇ ਗਏ ਨਾਪਾਕ ਪੈਰ ਤੋੜਨ ਲਈ ਪੂਰੀ ਜਾਂਬਾਜ਼ੀ ਨਾਲ ਜੂਝੇ ਤੇ ਜੂਝਦੇ ਹੋਏ ਭਾਈ ਜਰਨੈਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਬੂਹ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਸਾਰੇ ਹੀ ਸ਼ਹੀਦ ਹੋ ਗਏ। ਭਾਈ ਜਰਨੈਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਬੂਹ ਜ਼ਖ਼ਮੀ ਹੋਣ ਪਿੱਛੋਂ ਫ਼ੌਜ ਦੇ ਕਾਬੂ ਆ ਗਰੇ। 4 ਸਾਲ ਜੋਧਪੁਰ ਜੇਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਰਹੇ, ਆ ਕੇ ਫਿਰ ਰੂਪੋਸ਼ ਹੋ ਗਏ ਤੇ ਲੰਮਾ ਸੰਘਰਸ਼ ਲੜ ਕੇ ਸ਼ਹੀਦ ਹੋਏ। ਭਾਈ ਅਜੈਬ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਹਾਂਕਾਲ ਬੇਮਿਸਾਲੀ ਬਹਾਦਰੀ ਨਾਲ ਲੜਦੇ ਹੋਏ 6 ਜੂਨ 1984 ਨੂੰ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਦਰਬਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੀ ਰਾਖੀ ਲਈ ਸ਼ਹਾਦਤ ਦਾ ਜਾਮ ਪੀ ਗਏ।

The post ਸ਼ਹੀਦ ਭਾਈ ਅਜੈਬ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਹਾਂਕਾਲ appeared first on NeverForget84.com.

During the Sikh struggle for freedom the term “encounter” was often used by the state media, where it would be reported that the security forces killed Sikh militants following a fierce encounter. In reality a large majority of these reported encounters were fake, whereby arrested militants and innocent Sikhs were killed under this pretence. The real encounters in which handfuls of Sikh fighters took on the might of the security forces went unreported by the media, but spread across the state from village to village with tales of the Sikh fighters bravery and courage inspiring others. One such encounter took place in September 1991, where the Sikh fighters under the command of Dasmesh Regiment Chief, Bhai Seetal Singh Mattewal took on 12,000 Indian Armed Forces.

Shaheed Bhai Seetal Singh Mattewal

Bhai Seetal Singh Mattewal initially joined the Sikh freedom movement in 1989 as recruit of the Bhindranwale Tigers Force of Khalistan (BTFK) led by Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal, with whom they remained close to till their Shaheedi. As they met further likeminded and dedicated Sikh youth who had sworn to defend the Sikh Panth and Punjab from invading forces, they formed the Khalistan Armed Force, which was later renamed to Dasmesh Regiment in order to avoid confusion with another group carrying the same name. The Dasmesh Regiment, BTFK (Baba Manochahal group), KCF (Gurjant Singh Rajhastani group) and SSF (Dr Gurnam Singh Buttar group) worked together under the Baba Manochahal led Panthic Committee.

Bhai Seetal Singh Mattewal always wished to face the enemy head on, and would often tell those around him “My encounters with the police should not take place where innocent people may get hurt, they should take place in empty lands where I can show the forces of Delhi what a real encounter feels like“.

During the 1980’s, patrolling vehicles of the Indian Security Forces were being destroyed by the militants, and many regions of Punjab were becoming inaccessible to the security forces. The Hindustan government was afraid that Punjab was fast slipping away from their grip and into the hands of the Sikh fighters. The state Govt utilised various methods in order to discredit the movement. Gangs of thieves and murderers dressed like Sikh freedom fighters were sent into villages to commit horrendous crimes against innocent villagers. In addition to this, criminals were sent to infiltrate the Sikh freedom fighting groups to spread misinformation and cause internal rivalry.

Due to such misinformation, a clash took place between the groups of Bhai Seetal Singh Mattewal and Bhai Sukhwinder Singh ‘Pappu Gora’. During this firefight between brothers, rumors began to spread throughout Punjab that the General of Dasmesh Regiment, Bhai Seetal Singh Mattewal was fatally injured.

These reports spread like wildfire throughout the state and reached Delhi where a large meeting was called consisting of many high-ranking Police and Army personnel. During the meeting it was decided that this opportunity should not be missed to capture or kill Bhai Seetal Singh and his group who had been causing mass casualties for the security forces. A huge force consisting of soldiers from the Army, the Central Reserve Police Force, the National Guard and the Border Security Force were deployed to the location. This operation sanctioned by the Indian Government was given the name “Vadi Padhar”.

As the armored vehicles and trucks of the Indian Army began to appear, the local villagers rushed to meet with Bhai Seetal Singh to inform them of the security force movements. They requested that Bhai Seetal Singh and his group escape to safety to avoid capture. However Bhai Seetal Singh who always wished for such opportunities to take on the security forces, was not happy to leave the battlefield. Instead Bhai Seetal Singh and his group performed Ardaas and prepared themselves for battle.

The Singhs picked up their weapons and began walking away from the main village to a nearby open field. The villagers were left puzzled by this, and asked the Singhs what they were doing. Bhai Seetal Singh explained to the villagers that they were separating themselves from the villagers, as the Indian Armed Forces would begin shooting anyone who resembles a Sikh as soon as they arrive, and later claim the innocents were militants, just as they have done time and time again in the past.

Bhai Seetal Singh knew their decision to leave the village would mean a lack of food, provisions, safety and cover but felt it necessary in order to protect the innocents. With smiles on their faces, the Singh’s left the village and prepared their weapons for what was to come.

Shaheed Bhai Tarsem Singh Mattewal

As these discussions were taking place, the Indian Armed Forces made advances in attempts to capture the open lions. On the September 11, 1991 the armored vehicle units of the Indian army reached the outskirts of the fields in which the Singhs had been living for the past few days. Bhai Tarsem Singh Mattewal, Bhai Gurdial Singh, Bhai Gurmukh Singh ‘Bagga’ and Bhai Gurnam Singh stood alongside their General, Bhai Seetal Singh Mattewal as they embraced one another and readied themselves for their journey (Shaheedi) which would lead them to the feet of their Guru.

On that particular morning the Singhs were in the fields of Ballowali village. They were sat in the fields next to the motor owned by Sardar Santokh Singh. 14 hours had passed since their last meal. At 9am as the Singhs were testing their weapons, the daughter of Sardar Santokh Singh arrived with food for the Singhs. The Singhs expressed their gratitude to their sister who took great risk in coming to them. Putting their weapons aside, the Singhs did Ardaas to thank Guru Sahib for the food they were about to eat.

The Ardaas had just finished, when the girl glanced over the fields of oranges and spotted several armored vehicles and jeeps with mounted machine guns coming their way. The Singhs noticed the look on their sister’s face and immediately knew something was wrong. Before eating a morsel of food the Singhs stood up and witnessed the same scene. Realizing that the Indian Armed Forces would be within shooting distance soon; they told their sister to return to her house, leaving their food untouched they prepared their weapons once again.

As Sardar Santokh Singh’s daughter was running through the fields back to her home, she was caught by Indian Army soldiers who began to question her. The shameless soldiers continued to harass the girl, which could not at all be tolerated by the Singhs. As a result of this, a hail of bullets began to rain upon the security forces. Spotting their fellow soldiers drop to the ground, the soldiers released the girl and retreated in fear for their lives.

Shaheed Bhai Tarsem Singh Mattewal & Shaheed Bhai Seetwal Singh Mattewal

The commanders of the Indian Army recognized the sound of Bhai Seetal Singh’s famous Dragunov Sniper Rifle and immediately contacted their superiors to inform them that they had located Bhai Seetal Singh Mattewal and would require reinforcements due to coming under very heavy fire. On hearing of this update, the officials in Delhi began to celebrate the fact that they had closed in on Bhai Seetal Singh. The quickly sanctioned the deployment of more forces and armored vehicles, which were sent to Ballowali in an effort to turn the tide.

By now, hundreds of soldiers had fallen at the hands of these five Singhs who remained unharmed. The forces had pinpointed the Singhs location and encircled them, having surrounded them from all directions bullets were coming at the Singhs from all directions. This however did not dishearten the lions of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, instead they began to smile even more as they saw it as Shaheedi closing in on them. In fact before the battle began to rage, the Singhs did bhangra and made many jokes about how they were preparing for their marriage to death. For these lions there was no fear of death, as they had sworn their lives for the Panth and their mission. It didn’t matter if death came today or tomorrow, they were ready to embrace it.

Shaheed Bhai Gurmuk Singh ‘Bagga’ aka Gambeer Sitta

Bhai Gurmukh Singh ‘Bagga’ would often say, in a joking manner to his brothers, “Saade Naal Muqable Vich Dushmana Nu Gambeer Sitte Bhugtne Penge” (The enemy will suffer dire consequences should they come face to face with us). Bhai Gurmukh Singh repeated this phrase so often that his brothers in arms began to call him, “Gambeer Sitta”.

Is it important to note, that during this particular battle the Dasmesh Regiment Singhs had one Dragunov rifle, one GPMG, and three AK47’s between them. With these limited weapons and ammunition the five battle hungry Singhs of Guru Gobind Singh Ji took on the combined might of the Indian Armed Forces which was estimated to be over 12,000 men.

Villagers who witnessed this unique battle recalled that when Bhai Seetal Singh Mattewal pressed the trigger on his Dragunov rifle all that would remain were bodies of security forces, whose blood painted the fields red. Hour after hour ambulance sirens could be heard taking the dead and injured back to the city hospital. After a while the security forces began to think their intelligence was incorrect and that they may well be outnumbered and outgunned. They could not have imagined that it was only 5 Singhs who were holding their position and pushing them back towards Delhi.

In order to save their soldiers from what had become a killing ground, the commanders of the Indian Army ordered their troops to fall back and take defensive positions under the cover of fields, which were over 7 feet high. As the Singh’s saw the soldiers retreating they decided to go on the offensive. One by one they would make their way into the fields in which the soldiers had taken cover. As they caught sight of the troops, they would let out a burst of fire whilst bellowing Jaikaras. After eliminating a dozen soldiers in this manner, they would return to their position.

The Dasmesh Regiment Singhs stopped firing for some time, and after thousands of bullets had been spent by the Indian Armed Forces without return, they began to think that the Singh’s had either been eliminated or injured. A loudspeaker system was brought on to the battlefield. The chief commander of the Indian Armed Forces then began to speak. In his announcement he asked the Singhs to lay down their weapons and surrender. As the announcement was being made, the Singhs increased the intensity of their fire and repeated this each time an announcement was made.

The Commanders of the Armed Forces then authorized the use of mortar shells and bombs, which began to be dropped on where they believed the Singh’s were positioned. Despite the use of numerous bombs, the Singhs kept returning fire. The security forces who were ordered to take up offensive positions refused to do so. They told their commanding officers that as soon as they stepped foot on to the battlefield, they would be shot down like many of their fallen comrades.

The Commanders who had fought in many battles and had undergone intense training in warfare were also left confused and shocked that despite the such heavy bombardment the Singh’s continued to rain down bullets on them and continued to eliminate more of their men. After several meetings and discussions, the officers came to the conclusion that the Singh’s must have underground bunkers in which they were hiding in as the bombardment was taking place.

Bulletproof Tractor of Punjab Police

When the bombardment failed, bulletproof tractors were brought in. The forces used the bulletproof tractors to slowly advance toward the Singh’s but such was the accuracy of the Singh’s firing, Bhai Seetal Singh Mattewal managed to blew open the tractors doors by shooting off the hinges. The driver exposed to the firing was shot dead and CRPF officer in-charge SS Yadav was seriously injured as the tractor crashed into the sugarcane fields. Bhai Seetal Singh managed to neutralize three other so-called bulletproof tractors which came under such heavy fire from the Singhs that some of them caught fire and exploded.

As the fields were being painted red with the blood of Indian Armed Forces, the sun began to set and darkness spread with only flickers of light coming from firing of bullets which cut through the air. The Indian Armed Forces were completely lost and shot aimlessly in every direction with no success. Meanwhile the Singhs were still managing to shoot down anyone who dared to advance on to the battlefield. The security forces even resorted to using chemical bombs in order to flush out the Singhs but to no avail.

With little success and only damaging reports being relayed to Delhi, the The Indian Government was becoming increasingly frustrated at the army’s inability to crush the resistance of what they believed was a group of around a hundred Dasmesh Regiment fighters. The government had placed all its resources in Northern India at the disposal of the Commanders in-charge of this ‘anti terrorism operation’, yet with their collective might they could not make any advance on the Singhs position.

As the news spread across Punjab of the fierce encounter taking place, reports reached other Jujharoo Singhs camped in the region. These Singhs also prepared their weapons and headed in the direction of the battlefield to fight alongside their brothers.

Bhai Satnam Singh Saggu, Bhai Seetal Singh Matewal, Bhai Satnam Singh Bhaggupur & Harnam Singh Sanghna (BTFK)

The Dasmesh Regiment unit of Bhai Kulwant Singh and the Bhindranwale Tigers Force unit of Bhai Hardev Singh Kalia and Bhai Balwinder Singh Shahpur surrounded the same Indian forces who had encircled the 5 lions of Dasmesh Regiment. In this way the battle began to rage on four separate fronts, with Indian forces dropping to the floor under the constant fire of the Jujharoo’s bullets. As this was happening BTFK General, Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal arrived at the village Udhoke and joined the Singhs in all out war.

Bhai Sukhwinder Singh ‘Pappu Gora’ who earlier had a standoff with Bhai Seetal Singh Mattewal’s group also returned with his group and joined the battle. Upon seeing Bhai Sukhwinder Singh return to help his brother the local villager’s spirits began to soar with love and pride.

With the incoming reinforcements from the Sikhs fighters, the Indian Generals feared that their losses would multiply and also became worried that the local villagers may join the Jhujaroo Singhs. To prevent this, they began spreading reports that Bhai Seetal Singh Mattewal and his group had successfully escaped.

As morning broke, the stench of blood and death filled the air. The Indian Commanders began to evaluate their losses following the devastating results of exchanging bullets with the Sikh Freedom Fighters. The once green fields had turned red with the blood of the Indian forces.

Shaheed Bhai Gurdial Singh (Maarhi Pannuan)

The operation commanders who were in constant communication with Delhi, began demanding the supply and use of Vijayanta tanks in addition to other armored reinforcement units. As the sun rose, the cover of darkness deserted the Singhs and the Indian machine guns began to spray so many bullets into the air that it looked like a dark cloud had descended on Bhai Tarsem Singh, Bhai Gurdial Singh and Bhai Gurmukh Singh. Without any fear these brave soldiers of the Khalsa army battled on until their final breathes.

Shaheed Bhai Gurmukh Singh ‘Bagga’ aka Gambeer Sitta

As Bhai Seetal Singh Mattewal witnessed his brothers in arms kiss the noose of death, he stopped firing his Dragunov rifle. Bhai Seetal Singh decided to wait for the Indian Forces to come and pick up their dead and injured. Meanwhile, Bhai Seetal Singh and Bhai Gurnam Singh sat in the fields where they did their final Ardaas. They knew the end was near but remained in high spirits. When the Singhs finished their Ardaas, they bellowed Jaikaras and made their final stand.

The Indian forces also aimed their fire in the direction of the Singhs and brought forward their bulletproof tractors onto the field for further protection. Upon seeing the tractor approaching, Bhai Gurnam Singh, who was badly injured, ran out of the fields and let loose with his AK47 rifle. Upon seeing Bhai Gurnam Singh make his final stand, even the commanders of the Indian Forces were left stood in awe. Eventually Bhai Gurnam Singh ran out of bullets, but such was the fear in the hearts and minds of the Indian forces, they were reluctant in approaching the open lion stood in the middle of the field. Once convinced that Bhai Gurnam Singh was completely out of ammunition, the forces mustered the courage to apprehend him.

Shaheed Bhai Seetal Singh Mattewal

Bhai Seetal Singh Mattewal was also preparing to make his last stand. With just a handful of ammunition remaining and in an injured state, he waited for the forces to approach him. The Indian Forces stooped to such levels that they used Bhai Gurnam Singh as a human shield as they approached Bhai Seetal Singh to deter incoming fire from Bhai Seetal Singh and further loss to their own forces. Bhai Seetal Singh still managed to accurately eliminate some of the forces advancing toward him until finally his bullets ran out. With the bullets of the enemy continuing to be fired in his direction, Bhai Seetal Singh roared “Khalistan Zindabaad!!” one final time, before attaining the ultimate reward for a warrior – Shaheedi.

Bhai Amrik Singh, Bhai Darshan Singh & Bibi Narinder Kaur

Following the iconic battle of Ballowal, in which thousands of security forces were killed or injured, the security forces harassed the family of Bhai Seetal Singh Mattewal. Bhai Sahib’s home was constantly raided, and Bhai Sahib’s wife, Bibi Narinder Kaur and two younger brothers, Bhai Amrik Singh and Bhai Darshan Singh were beaten and detained at a local detention center, where only Guru Sahib knows what they had to endure, as they were never seen again. Bhai Seetal Singh’s two young sons were raised by his younger brother’s widow.

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