Punjab The Latest as it comes

Follow-up
Killing of father, son
4 BSF jawans sent to police custody
Tribune News Service

Gurdaspur, May 20
Four Border Security Force (BSF) jawans, who had gunned down a farmer of Thakarpura village and his teenaged son on the Indo-Pak border on Friday night, have been remanded in police custody for five days.

The accused, Karan Chakarborty, head constable, Mohammad Latif, Shatrughan and Shivu Dey, constables, of 109 Bravo unit of the BSF were produced before the court of duty magistrate Sangeet Pal Singh today.

The incident had occurred when the four accused went to the house of Shinghara Singh, located hardly 200 yards from their BSF post, under the influence of liquor. They gunned down Shinghara and his son Daljit Singh (15). Balwinder Kaur, Shinghara Singh’s wife, had a narrow escape in the firing.

Villagers feel scared that the BSF might implicate members of the aggrieved family and other villagers in other criminal cases.

Punjab The Latest as it comes

Dera takes to Gandhigiri as Sikh clergy talks tough


New Delhi:
Punjab continues to be on the boil as the face-off between the Akal Takht followers and the supporters of Dera Sacha Sauda enters Day Five.
The Akal Takht is in no mood to relent. A meeting of the jathedars or the high priests of the gurudwars rejected the Dera chief’s statement of regret and has demanded that all Dera centers be closed before the end of this month.
The Akal Takht also called for a statewide bandh on Tuesday, May 22.
“All the Deras have to be closed down by May 27. They will face stern action if they don't comply,” said Akal Takht’s head priest Joginder Singh Vedanti.
The Akal Takht also wants the government to decide on initiating a CBI enquiry against Baba Ram Rahim Singh by the May 31.
Even as the meeting began, it witnessed some tension when a police official was caught carrying a pistol at the venue.
Sikh religious bodies and the Dera have been at loggerheads ever since a newspaper ad featured the Dera Chief attired as the 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh.
While the Dera expressed regret over the incident on Saturday, Sikh conservatives think it’s not enough.
“Regret is expressed when one does something unintentionally but for this act of Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh he has to apologise,” says SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar
On Sunday evening, Dera convened a press conference and said it was not in the favour of “any violence.”
In what seemed like an attempt at Gandhigiri, Dera spokesperson Pankaj Insan said the group will organise will organise a blood donation camp in protest against the Akal Takht dictat.
“Whatever legal course has to be taken, it will be taken,” said Insan.
Earlier on Sunday, Punjab police lodged an FIR against the Dera Chief for hurting religious sentiments.
“An FIR has been lodged because religious sentiments were hurt. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is one of the main accused. Investigations are on. Action will be taken,” said SSP Bathinda Naunihal Singh.
Violent clashes between Sikh religious groups and Dera Sacha Sauda supporters have disrupted life in the state since May 15.
One person is dead and several others have been injured in these clashes. With the Sikh clergy upping the ante once again and Dera intensifying the face-off, the situation is likely to remain tense in the coming days.

Punjab The Latest as it comes

Sikh clergy demands closure of all deras in Punjab

20 May, 2007

AMRITSAR:

Rejecting regrets expressed by the Dera Sacha Sauda head over a controversy that led to sectarian clashes in Punjab, Sikh clergy and community leaders on Sunday demanded the closure of all deras or campuses of various sects in the state. The Sikh clergy and community organisations that met at the Akal Takht - the highest temporal seat of the Sikh religion located inside the Golden Temple complex here - announced their decision after a stormy meeting. Avtar Singh Makkar, president of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) - the mini-parliament of Sikhs, announced that the state government has been given time till May 27 to order closure of all deras throughout Punjab, failing which the Sikh leadership will decide further course of action May 31. The Sikh organisations also called for a Punjab shutdown Tuesday to protest against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmit Ram Rahim's portrayal of himself in the manner of 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh - an issue over which Sikhs and sect followers clashed for five days from Monday, killing one and injuring more than 100. In another development, the Punjab police on Sunday registered a case against the sect chief for offending religious sentiments of the Sikhs by likening himself to the last Sikh guru. The Sikh leadership also rejected the regrets expressed by the sect chief late on Saturday over the controversy. The Sikh clergy had Thursday given a 72-hour ultimatum to the state government to arrest the sect chief based at Sirsa town in neighbouring Haryana. Hardline Sikh elements like the Damdami Taksal and others pressurised the Sikh clergy to take a hard stand on the issue. The latest decision was likely to embarrass the Akali Dal-led Parkash Singh Badal government in the state.

Punjab The Latest as it comes - Akal Takhat Message

Akal Takhats message is out results of the meeting:

one of the resolution is punjab bandh 0n 22nd may
secondly cbi inquiry to be completed until 30 may
Dera chief asked to close all dera's by may 31
Akaal Takhat Rejects dera sacha sauda's regrets.

Punjab The Latest as it comes - Akal Takht demands closure of all Deras

Randeep Singh Nandal
Sunday, May 20, 2007 (Sirsa)
The Akal Takht has issued a diktat that demands closure of all branches of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect in Punjab by May 27.They have asked for a CBI probe to be submitted to the High Court by May 30 and will approach Prime Minister Manmohan Singh if their demands are not met. The Akal Takht, which also called for a bandh on May 22, has dismissed the statement of regret expressed by the Dera.The Punjab Police meanwhile have registered an FIR against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Baba Gurmeet Singh Ram Raheem.The FIR has been filed on a complaint by Rajinder Singh, a resident of Bathinda, for disturbing communal harmony in the state. NDTV spoke to HS Bains, the media advisor to Punjab Chief Minister, who said that everyone was equal before law and a comprehensive inquiry into the incident was being conducted.Expressing regretLate on Saturday, the Dera Sacha Sauda issued a one-page letter, expressing regret over an advertisement, which depicted their leader as a Sikh Guru.The advertisement featured the chief appearing in an attire that Sikhs felt was an attempt to compare himself with Guru Gobind Singh.In a statement, the Dera leader said, ''The events of the last few days have left us sad. Ads that appeared on May 13 led to misunderstanding, which is regrettable. We have great respect for the Sikh Gurus and religion. Our efforts were not to hurt anyone. There was never an attempt to imitate Guru Gobind Singh. We regret the events.''Though short of an outright apology, sources told NDTV:
The letter was formulated after back channel negotiation between the SGPC and Dera Sacha Sauda.
Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal acted as the mediator.The Sikhs' highest religious body had given the government three days to intervene and take action against the sect.

Punjab The Latest as it comes

Latest News -

Bathinda - 19 May
Damdami Taksal Chief & President of Sant Samaj - Sant Baba Harnam Singh Ji Khalsa has joined forces with Bhai Daljit Singh Ji Bittu, Sant Baba Baljit Singh Ji Khalsa Dadu Sahib Wale, Sant Baba Ranjit Singh Ji Dhadrian Wale, Sant Baba Daler Singh Ji Khalsa Kheri Wale and Nihang Dal bodies on a strong platform.

On the other side dera sacha sauda have called for the arrest of Sant Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa, Sant Baba Baljit Singh Khalsa, Bhai Daljit Singh Bittu and Bhai Jasvir Singh a former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib as being hardliners and pressurising the Sikh clergy to take a stronger decision against the sacha sauda sect.

BREAKING NEWS FROM AKASH RADIO:
Lots of gursikhs had gathered in parikarma of darbar sahib. Among the congregation there was a person in civil clothes who had gun. The sangat came to know when gun fell on the floor from him. As a result of that sangat beat him up badly and he disclosed tht he is on duty police officer. It is being established whether he inded is on duty or not. There are now reports that he wanted CID on what the singhs were planning.

Punjab The Latest as it comes

A call to all the Sikh Panth we need to get togehter and forget our differences put them in the past and it doesn't matter what jathebandi we are from lets all join to finsh these pakandi babe off if it be Gurmeet Raam Raheem, Austotosh, Nirankaris and Bhaniyarewala!

News -

There are now new reports of fresh protests in Jammu.

Mixed reaction by Sikh bodies

Prabhjot Singh

Tribune News Service

Deep regrets, short of an apology, expressed by Dera Sacha Sauda over incidents that followed the May 13 advertisement it inserted in various newspapers has evoked mixed reaction from various Sikh organisations.
While it may assuage the hurt sentiments of various Sikh organisations, besides providing the Sikh clergy a reason to reconsider its “edict” on social boycott of “premis”, some organisations maintained that nothing less than an outright apology would be acceptable to them.
They insisted that a ban on the entry of the dera chief in Punjab was the minimum they expected from the Punjab government so that “peace and communal harmony remains undisturbed in the state”.
The Sikh clergy had served a three-day ultimatum on the Punjab government to initiate action on the edict of social boycott of “premis”. The ultimatum expires tomorrow.
While the Union Government has been pressing both the Punjab and Haryana governments to defuse the crisis at the earliest, the dera leadership was reluctant to offer an outright apology, maintaining that it has always held the Sikh Gurus in high esteem and never tried to replicate any religious practices of Sikhism.
Though leaders of various Sikh organisations wanted the Sacha Sauda Dera chief to tender a public apology for attempting to replicate the Sikh practices associated with the 10 the Guru, they felt that the deep regret was a step towards easing tension. The dera, however, maintained that an “outright apology would have humiliated its followers throughout Punjab”.
Copies of the eight-line regret were released to the media late at night.
Sources in the Punjab government maintained that they would keep a close vigil on the situation. They reiterated that no one would be allowed to disturb peace and communal harmony in the state.

Punjab The Latest as it comes

Dera chief offers regrets
Kiran Deep
Tribune News Service

Finally after five days of series of violent incidents in many states, Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, in a bid to end the conflict between Sikhs and dera followers, today expressed deep regret over the incidents due to the controversy.
Maintaining that he had never imitated the 10th Guru Gobind Singh, the dera chief said the misunderstanding with Sikhs had surfaced after the advertisement appeared on May 13 in newspapers showing him dressed like Guru Gobind Singh.
Although the dera chief, in a release issued to the press at 10.30 p.m. at the dera, did not mention the word “apology”, he expressed his feelings using the word regret to put an end to the conflict that led to clashes between dera followers and Sikhs in a number of states.
The decision in this regard came after deputy commissioner V. Umashankar and SP Vikas Arora held a meeting with a dera high-level committee, headed by the chief spokesman of the dera Dr Aditya. With a view to easing the tension, the dera chief made the statement just a day before Sikhs radicals had decided action against the dera chief.
Earlier in the day, making an effort to ease the tension, the baba appealed to the dera followers and Sikh hardliners to maintain peace, stating that the incidents of violence in Punjab had greatly hurt him. For me, both the dera followers as well as Sikh sangat are equal and they should restrain themselves from indulging in clashes, he added.
Seeking Centre’s intervention to solve the dispute, the dera chief said it should invite both Sikhs high priests and members of the dera management to sit together to clear misunderstandings for the welfare of the humanity.
He also appealed to the President and Prime Minister to make efforts to prevent incidents of violence in Punjab and other states.
“I have repeatedly made it clear that we have not done anything to hurt the sentiments of Sikhs. I had not imitated the 10th Guru Gobind Singh. I could not even think to do so. We called ourselves ‘Daash’ not guru. The dera followers have the same faith and respect for the preachings of Guru Gobind Singh as Sikhs have,” the dera chief said.
While the management of the Dera Sacha Sauda has decided to restrict public meetings with the dera chief after the Punjab government reportedly decided to withdraw the security personnel of the dera chief, the meeting of mediapersons with dera chief have also been stopped.
Meanwhile, after holding a meeting of the high-level committee of the dera, its chief spokesman Dr Aditya Arora condemned the statement made by the Jathedar of Damdama Sahib against the dera.

Punjab The Latest as it comes

Three-day ultimatum Nandgarh’s statement may echo at Sikh clergy meeting
Tribune News Service

Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh, jathedar, Takht Damdama Sahib, has said he had given a call to assassinate the chief of Dera Sacha Sauda with a view to defusing the situation at the cremation of Kanwaljit Singh, who was killed in the firing at Sunam (Sangrur), since the agitated mourners were out to kill the “premis” (followers of Baba Gurmit Ram Rahim), apart from setting their properties on fire.
This issue is likely to dominate the proceedings of the two-day meeting of the Sikh clergy convened here at Akal Takht tomorrow after ending of the three-day ultimatum served on Central, Punjab and Haryana governments for taking stringent action against the dera.
Talking to The Tribune, jathedar Nandgarh, however, reiterated that he stood by his statement. He, however, said that he wanted to save the “common, misguided followers” of the dera. To a question, he said he won’t step down as jathedar, Damdama Sahib, since he had taken a “right decision” in accordance with the Sikh history.
Meanwhile, various Nihang sects today disapproved the call given by jathedar Nandgarh unless it was approved by the Sikh clergy at Akal Takht.
After holding a special meeting at Buraj Akali Phula Sahib, Baba Balbir Singh, chief of Akali Budha Dal, said the dera chief had hurt religious sentiments of Sikhs and the Central and state governments should take strict action against him.
Bishan Singh, president, Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, in a fax message to the SGPC has condemned the blasphemous acts of dera chief .

Punjab The Latest as it comes

Vedanti rushes to Ludhiana to meet SGPC chief
Varinder Walia
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, May 19In a development which raised many eyebrows, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti today rushed to Ludhiana to hold an in-camera meeting with SGPC chief Avtar Singh to discuss the Dera Sacha Sauda issue, though he had called an emergency meeting of Sikh intellectuals at the Akal Takht secretariat here.
Initially, Jathedar Vedanti feigned ignorance about his meeting with the SGPC chief. However, he admitted that he went to Ludhiana to hold talks with the SGPC chief on the Sacha Sauda issue. He , however, refused to divulge what transpired in the meeting . His personal assistant, Prithipal Singh Sandhu, accompanied him to Ludhiana while a Cabinet-rank minister attended the closed door meeting on behalf of the Chief Minister.
In the absence of Jathedar Vedanti, Giani Iqbal Singh, Jathedar Patna Sahib, presided over the meeting of Sikh intellectuals at the Akal Takht secretariat . It is learnt that Jathedar Vedanti had to rush to Ludhiana following an SOS message.
When asked about the conspicuous absence of Jathedar Vedanti who had called the meeting , Giani Iqbal Singh refused to give a satisfactory reply. When this correspondent pointed out that he had definite information that he had gone to Ludhiana to meet the SGPC chief , he quipped: “You already know about all the developments.”
The SGPC chief reportedly discussed how to handle the volatile situation in the wake of the three-day ultimatum. The meeting also discussed the call given by Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh to Sikhs to assassinate the Dera Sacha Sauda chief.
On the other hand, the meeting of the Sikh intellectuals, held at Akal Takht secretariat suggested that legal notices be served on the electronic media for inciting the feelings of common Sikhs through “irresponsible coverage.” However, some Sikh intellectuals criticised the role of jathedars who had been working under the diktats of the Chief Minister and the SGPC chief.

Punjab The Latest as it comes

Train stopped near Kapurthala; bandh in Jalandhar
Clash averted at Mansa village after stone pelting
Tribune Reporters
Mansa, May 19Tension gripped a few rural pockets of this district when members of the Sikh community and followers of Dera Sacha Sauda resorted to stone pelting at Mojae Khurd village. However, timely intervention by the police averted a major clash.
The incident took place after a few persons burnt the effigy of Baba Ram Rahim Gurmit. When dera followers reached this village from nearby areas, one of their vehicles was also damaged by members of the opposing groups.
SSP Ram Singh was able to bring the situation under control. He said a few other persons also tried to create tension at Bhikhi town of this district by spreading rumours that some members of the Sikh community were gathering at a gurdwara. But these proved to be just rumours.
He said no case had been registered in connection with the incident that took place at Mojae Khurd village.
Police sources said at Salabatpura village of Bathinda district, the situation had become normal. Sources added that some anti-social elements burnt a few mats of a gurdwara at Nathpura village of Bathinda district. However, Rahul Bhandari, deputy commissioner, clarified that the mats caught fire due to some other reasons.
In Muktsar district deputy commissioner Vikas Garg today presided over a meeting of the district peace committee.
SUBHANPUR (KAPURTHALA): Agitated Sikhs belonging to different radical groups forcibly stopped the Amritsar-New Delhi Superfast (2460) train at the Subhanpur railway crossing on the Jalandhar-Amritsar section from 11.35 am to 1.35 pm here on Saturday. The protesters included women also.
The Railway Department itself stopped the Amritsar bound Shatabdi Express (2029) and Howrah Mail (3005) at Jalandhar city and Shan-e-Punjab (2497) at Jalandhar Cantonment railway stations till the lifting of the blockade, Jalandhar railway station superintendent Ashok Kumar told The Tribune.
Some of the protesters raised slogans in favour of Khalistan and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. Some of them also threw stones at the railway cabin at Subhanpur railway crossing in which its window panes were broken. The GRP registered a case against the protesters in this regard.
Several protesters also blocked the road traffic at Subhanpur on the Jalandhar-Amritsar road on national highway No. 1.
JALANDHAR: On the call of different organisations, including ruling the SAD, a complete bandh was observed here on Saturday. While all education institutions were closed on the direction of the district administration, shopkeepers in almost all major bazaars of the city and its outskirts did not open their shops. Effigies of Dera Sacha Sauda chief were burnt at some places. Several groups of Sikh youths were seen brandishing swords.
HOSHIARPUR: Activists of various Sikh organisations led by Bhagwant Singh, SGPC member, and Jagmohan Singh Baboo, circle president of the SAD, today assembled at Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Dasuya, 40 km from here, and demonstrated against Dera Sacha Sauda head Baba Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh.
Later, they staged a protest march to the SDM chowk and burnt the effigy of the dera chief. They also presented a memorandum to the SDM, Dasuya.
Meanwhile, deputy commissioner, Hoshiarpur, D.K. Tiwari convened a meeting of all parties at the mini-secretariat. Mohinder Kaur Josh, chief parliamentary secretary, Punjab, Sohan Singh Thandal and Sangat Singh Giljian, both MLAs, Dharampal Sabharwal, a member of the Rajya Sabha, Surinder Singh Thakedar and Vijay Aggarwal, both district president of the SAD and BJP, respectively, were those who attended the meeting.
SANGRUR: Following a reported altercation between followers of the Sikh Panth and Dera Sacha Sauda at Bugra village (near Dhuri) on Friday night five followers of the dera sustained injuries. Four of the injured persons were discharged. Sangrur SP (Headquarters) Dharam Singh said no one from among the injured was ready to give statement.
In Dhanaula (near Barnala) hundreds of Sikhs took out a protest march and burnt an effigy. At Cheema Mandi (near Sunam) the bazars today remained closed. Similar protests were held at Dhuri, Khanauri and Dirba. Flag marches were taken out at Dhuri and Ahmedgarh.
Meanwhile, leaders of mass organisations, social activists, intellectuals and students held a meeting held at Gadar Memorial Bhawan.
MALERKOTLA: The district administration has imposed Section 144 of CrPC in Malerkotla on Saturday in the wake of the Dera Sacha Sauda controversy. A flag march was also carried out by the BSF through the main bazars of the town.
BARNALA: Some activists of a Sikh orgainsation attacked Satguru grocery store on Saturday and burnt the shop. Shop owner Charnjeet Kumar said some Sikh youths came on a motorcycle and burnt the shop. Later, some Sikh youths also held a meeting at Gurdwara Singh Sabha and held a protest march in the city.

Punjab The Latest as it comes

BSF men shoot villager and son
Bipin Bhardwaj
Tribune News Service

Thakarpura (Gurdaspur), May 19Four Border Security Force (BSF) jawans barged into a house and gunned down a man and his teenaged son in this sleepy village on the Indo-Pak border late last night. Four other members of the family, however, had a narrow escape as another jawan fired indiscriminately from his service rifle.
The incident occurred at about 9 last night when four jawans — Karan Chakarborty, head constable, Mohammad Latif, Shatrughan and Shivu Dey (constables) of 109 Bravo unit of the BSF reached the house of Shinghara Singh, located hardly 200 yards from their post in the village. The four, allegedly under the influence of liquor, entered into an argument with Shinghara Singh over a petty issue. After giving him a sound beating, they fired two shots leaving him dead on the spot.
They did not even spare his 15-year-old son Daljit Singh who came in defence of his father. The BSF men also fired three shots at him. Daljit, a student of Government Senior Secondary School, Gahlari, died on the spot. Shinghara Singh's wife, Balwinder Kaur, had a narrow escape as the bullets missed her legs.
Family members said Shinghara Singh had an altercation with Mohammad Latif when the latter made some obscene remarks against village women and allegedly consumed liquor with his colleague in the afternoon. Angered by the altercation, Mohammad Latif along with Karan Chakarborty, Shatrughan and Shivu Dey reached the house of Shinghara Singh and fired indiscriminately leaving two of the family members dead on the spot.
Hearing the gunshots and shrieks of the family, villagers informed the police. Deputy Commissioner Vivek Pratap Singh, SSP Lok Nath Angra, along with a police contingent reached the spot and the bodies were sent to Civil Hospital, Gurdaspur, for post-mortem.
Up in arms against the high-handedness of BSF jawans, residents of over three villages reached the city and blocked traffic at the post office chowk for over four hours. They had been demanding the arrest of the culprits. The villagers also alleged that the BSF jawans had been creating a nuisance in the village. They also cited instances when the BSF jawans had misbehaved with the women of the villages.
After lengthy discussions, BSF Commandant Ashok Kumar Jha handed over the four jawans to the Gurdaspur police.
Deputy superintendent of police, Gurdaspur, HS Brar, claimed that Karan Chakarborty, Mohammad Latif, Shatrughan and Shivu Dey of 109 Bravo unit of the BSF had been arrested. The police has also recovered the rifle and five shells of cartridges used in the crime.
A case under Section 302 of the IPC has been registered against them at Darangla police station on a complaint by Balwinder Kaur, wife of the deceased.
The villagers have demanded shifting of the BSF post from the present site as the jawans often roam around in the village and indulge in eve-teasing.

Punjab The Latest as it comes

Case registered against Dera chief

CHANDIGARH: A case was registered by police against Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh for allegedly hurting religious sentiments, hours before a crucial meeting of Sikh high priests to decide on the future course of action in the stand off between Dera followers and Sikhs. The action came a day after the Dera Sacha Sauda expressed regret over "the chain of events" leading to violence in Punjab and said its head never intended to imitate Sikh Guru Gobind Singh. The Sirsa-based Dera head has been charged by Punjab Police under section 295-A of IPC relating to deliberate malicious act intended to outrage the religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or its religious belief, an official spokesman said. In an apparent bid to cool tempers of agitated Sikhs, the Dera Sacha Sauda on Saturday night expressed regret over "the chain of events" leading to violence in Punjab and said its head never intended to imitate Sikh Guru Gobind Singh. The publication of an advertisement in some newspapers in which the Dera head was attired in dress similar to that of 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh had sparked violence in Punjab in which one person was killed and around 50 were injured. The five Head Priests of five Takhts of the Sikhs are meeting in Amritsar to decide the future course of action. The Priests had given a three-day deadline on May 17, which ends today in their five point Hukamnama (Edict), including a social boycott of Dera Sacha Sauda and registration of a case. The case has been registered at Kotwali police station in Bhatinda on a complaint filed by Rajinder Singh Sidhu, president of Khalsa Dewan and Guru Singh Sabha, the spokesman said. Inspector General of Police (Patiala) N K Tiwari, who also holds additional charge of Bhatinda zone, would first conduct an enquiry. Further action in the matter would be taken depending on the outcome of the enquiry, he said. In a statement issued in Sirsa late on Saturday night, the Public Relations Department of the Dera said "we never intended to imitate Guru Gobind Singh and we are regretful of the whole chain of events". It said the advertisement that appeared in newspapers on May 13 showing Dera chief Baba Ram Rahim Singh in an attire similar to that worn by Guru Gobind Singh sparking strong protests from Sikhs and "created misconceptions is unfortunate".

Latest News from Punjab as it comes

Sikhs demand withdrawal of cases

PANIPAT: Lashing out at the state government for victimising Sikhs by registering cases against them on flimsy grounds during protests in Haryana, Sikh originations including Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandak Committee (SGPC) and HSGPC, has called a joint meeting on May 25 to discuss the situation, if the cases against Sikhs youths, who protesting in Pundri on Friday, were not withdrawn. Kaithal police had slapped serious charges of attempt to murder under section 307 along with other sections of IPC against 12 youths who were protesting against Dera Sacha Sauda after burning the effigy of its head in Pundri on Friday. SP Navdeep Singh Virk told TOI on Saturday that they have been booked for attacking policemen though no one had lodged any formal complaint in this regard. The youths were part of the crowd, which was reportedly moving towards a Dera in the town. The SGPC and HSGPC has condemned the action taken by Kaithal police and said that registration of cases under section 307 IPC was totally unwarranted. SGPC vice-president Raghujit Singh Virk, who led the delegation which called on the SP in Kaithal on Saturday, said the police chief expressed helplessness in withdrawing the cases during the meeting. The state government was trying to add fuel to an ebbing fire by levelling serious charges against the protesters, which could backfire, the SGPC leader said. The police had also beaten up the youths in custody, he said. Terming the charges against protesters as bid to intimidate the Sikhs. president of HSGPC, Jagdish Singh Jhinda warned the state government of serious consequences. Addressing a press conference in Panipat, he said when when the anger was subsiding, Kaithal police’s action was uncalled for and appeared politically motivated. He would meet the SP on Sunday to request withdrawal of cases and even talked to chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda to press his demand, Jhinda said.

Punjab the Latest as news Breaks

Nothing short of apology will be acceptable, says Taksal

Baba Dhuma rejects appeals by Manmohan Singh and other leaders
"Take concrete action before things get out of control"
No preventive arrests: police chief
CHANDIGARH: Nothing short of an apology before five "Singh Sahibs" (head clerics) at the Akal Takhat by the head of the Dera Sacha Sauda, Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, will assuage the hurt religious sentiments of Sikhs. This was stated by the chief of the religious seminary Damdami Taksal, Baba Harnam Singh Dhuma, here on Saturday.If the apology was not forthcoming, the Punjab and Haryana Governments and the Centre must register a case and initiate legal action against the Dera chief for hurting the religious sentiments of the entire community and instigating disturbances, Baba Dhuma told reporters.Responding to questions, he rejected the appeals by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other political leaders. He said it was not an occasion to create confusion through appeals."The authorities must take necessary decisions that are reflected in concrete action to pacify the Sikh community before things get out of control."Arguing that the matter was neither political nor one of law and order situation, Baba Dhumasaid the sanctity of the Gurus' preachings, the identity of the Sikh community and the "Shakti" (power) of the "holy Amrit" stood challenged by the Dera Sacha Sauda.Baba Dhuma said that at the expiry of the May 18 ultimatum served by the Singh Sahib's hukumnama from Talwandi Sabo, the five Singh Sahibs would meet at the Akal Takhat in the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar on Sunday afternoon to announce the next course of action.Police chief N.P.S. Aulakh said elaborate security arrangements were in place to deal with any exigency. He denied that preventive detentions were being made.

Punjab the Lattest - Antim Saskar - Shaheed Bhai Kanwaljit Singh Ji

A pooran Gursikh from Sangrur who was in the Panj Pyaare during Nagar Keertans. Before he became Shaheed he said "Maar Dhyaa(n)ge, Eh Jaan Guroo Dhe Lekhe Laa Dhyaa(n)ge". By himself he entered the Dera by climbing a wall and was shot dead by the cult.
Antim Saskar of Shaheed Bhai Kanwaljit Singh Ji above images. Second image showing family with bhai sahib and the first image shows Bhai Sahibs body being taken to cremotorium with various panthic leaders - Sant Harnam Singh Ji Dhumma Leader of Damdami Taksal and Jathedar of Damdama Sahib Takhat Bhai Sahib Balwant Singh Ji Nandgrah and many other panth jathebandis where there but are not in the picture. At this stage Bhai Sahib Balwant Singh Ji Nandgrah announced -
"ਜੋ ਵੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਡੇਰੇ ਦੇ ਉਸ ਦੋਖੀ ਮੁਖੀ ਦਾ ਸਿਰ ਕਲਮ ਕਰਕੇ ਲਿਆਵੇਗਾ, ਉਸਨੂੰ ਸੋਨੇ ਚਾਂਦੀ ਨਾਲ ਤੋਲ ਦਿਆਂਗੇ ! " ਜਥੇਦਾਰ ਬਲਵੰਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੰਦਗੜ੍ਹ
“That Singh who will bring the head of that dokhee (Dera leader Ram-Rahim), we will weigh him with gold and silver (as a sign of honour)”

The dera sevadaars and Baba are saying thay have nothing to do with Sikhi and Guru Gobind Singh Ji but how can this be true they have made a joke out of the images of our Tenth Guru, they have made a joke of the amrit ceromoney, they use bani lines in thier own ways, they have made thier own rehat maryada (code of conduct) from the sikh one and they are killing and injuring innocent sikhs. There giving blood is all a big cover up this Baba lives in caves and drives around in a fleet of cars! Singhs the time has come we just need to go and finish this pakandi baba once and for all. The sword is the last result i think this time is comming closer and closer.

Punjab the latest - Sikh leaders condemn ''sensational media coverage''

Sikh leaders condemn ''sensational media coverage''
Amritsar, May 19: A meeting of Sikh intellectuals held at Akal Takht today took a serious view of the ''sensational reporting by electronic media of the Sacha Sauda episode'' and resolved to form an intellectual panel to project their views.The meeting, presided over by takht Patna Sahib Jathedar Giani Iqbal Singh, in the absence of Akal Takht jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti, also decided to send notices to ''those media houses which had projected one-sided views.'' ''Such a panel is the need of the hour'', the Giani claimed, adding that ''misleading projections'' about Sikhism had created many confusion among common masses. The Nihang organisation, which also held a meeting at Dera Baba Phulla Singh, demanded an immediate ban on the activities of Dera Sacha Sauda.Meanhile, in a statement here, Capt Chanan Singh Sidhu, President Sikh Forum, Punjab, today expressed concern over ''the poisonous mushrooming of Deras'' which he claimed had become a ''bane for peaceful atmosphere of Punjab and threatened all the communities in the country and the identity of the Sikh's in particular.''

Punjab the latest - DERA SUPPORTER ATTEMPT TO BURN VILLAGE GURUDWARA

Nathpura May 19:
Tension gripped village Nathpura, about near 30 KM from Bathinda after the supporters of Dera Sacha Sauda allegedly tried to set the village Gurudwara on fire and pelted stones last night at the granthi's house inside the complex.
However, the fire was doused without causing much damage as the granthi Gurmel Singh immediately sent an SOS through Gurudwara public announcement system and a large number of villagers, many equipped with arms, rushed in and extinguished the flames outside the shrine.
Narrating the incident this morning, granthi Gurmel Singh said he woke up last night after about a dozen person pelted the Darbar Sahib shrine and his house with stones. However, when he challenged them, they fled but before fleeing they allegedly put petrol on a Dari (Cotton carpet) lying outside after keeping it on the gate of the shrine.
The gate was badly damaged due to the fire, addded Gurmel Singh. As per village sources, out of the 400 families in the village, about 100 families are followers of the Dera Sacha Sauda. After the incident, tension was palpable in the village. As the news spread, a large number of outsiders also started gathering in the village to protest against the alleged attempt by Sauda supporters to burn the Gurudwara.
In view of the fluid situation, a large number of police force, including some senior officials, also reached the village. A case has been registered against unknown persons and investigations were on. Meanwhile, various sikh organisations today held a protest march at Rampura Phul and warned the Dera supporters to resist from such activities.

Punjab The Latest as it comes - Dera chief’s security withdrawn and Jathedar Damdama Sahib Anouncement

After a Singh got cremated Jathedar Nandgarh announced, “Jo ohda sir liayu, sone chandi naal tol diange” (who will bring the head of Dera Sacha Sauda’s chief, he will be weighed against gold and silver), said by Jathedar Takhat Damdama Sahib Ji Bhai Sahib Balwant Singh Nandgrah.

Dera chief’s security withdrawn

Chandigarh, May 19: The Punjab government has withdrawn the security of head of Dera Sacha Sauda Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh whose followers clashed with Sikhs across the state. Disclosing this here today, Punjab police chief N P S Aulakh told reporters here that "the police protection given to the Dera Sacha Sauda has been withdrawn." "The four PSOs (Personal Security Officials) provided by the previous Government to the head of Dera Sacha Sauda has been withdrawn," he said. The gunmen for the personal security of Dera head were provided by the previous Congress government headed by Amarinder Singh, Aulakh said. However, the state police chief kept mum when mediapersons asked him whether the state government is of the opinion that there is no threat perception to the head of Dera Sacha Sauda. Punjab Chief Minister`s Media Advisor Harcharan Singh Bains, who accompanied the DGP, however sought to justify the withdrawal of security saying Haryana police had given enough security to the Dera head. Meanwhile, coming under attack from opposition and other groups, the Punjab govt shunted the Bathinda SSP Naresh Arora out of office, replacing him with Naunihal Singh. The former has been appointed Assistant IG, Chandigarh. The administration cited Arora’s slow reaction as the primary cause for his transfer. The move comes as allegations crop against the ruling Akalis, accusing them of fanning the violence for political gains. Several parts of Punjab witnessed sporadic sectarian strife after some newspapers carried an advertisement of Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh attired in a dress purportedly resembling that of Sikh religious leader Guru Gobind Singh.

Punjab The Latest as it comes

After a Singh got cremated Jathedar Nandgarh announced, “Jo ohda sir liayu, sone chandi naal tol diange” (who will bring the head of Dera Sacha Sauda’s chief, he will be weighed against gold and silver), said by Jathedar Takhat Damdama Sahib Ji Bhai Sahib Balwant Singh Nandgrah.

Punjab the latest - Dera wants Makkar arrested

Sirsa, May 18After the Sikhs high priests’ edict, now the Dera Sacha Sauda sect high-level committee, in a strong tone today, demanded the arrest of the SGPC president Avtar Singh, former SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur and three “hardliners” Baljit Singh, Daljit Singh and former Akal Takht jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh, holding them responsible for the yesterday’s attacks on a number of deras in Punjab.The official-bearers of the sect maintained that they were ready to hold a dialogue with the Sikh high priests to solve the problem. “We have opened all channels to solve the conflict, but the Sikh hardliners have not responded so far,” the committee said. It maintained that the Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh had never imitated the 10th Guru Gobind Singh. So we can solve this issue with mutual consent once the dialogue is opened, a committee member added.The chief spokesman of the dera Dr Aditya Arora said that the high level committee of the dera, comprising office-bearers from all over the country, took the decision here after holding a series of meetings. We demanded that the criminal cases should be registered against all five “fundamentalists”, including the SGPC president Avtar Singh, and they should be arrested. A number of deras were burnt in Punjab and foul language used. This could have been avoided if they had made an attempt to solve the dispute with mutual consent, he added.He said that it was unfortunate that the Punjab government remained a mute spectator in the whole episode and did not utter a single word to control the deteriorating the law and order situation yesterday. The government even did not express its concern for the families of yesterday’s incidents.

Bhindranwale Taksal led attack Chandigarh, May 18: Radical Sikhs once closely associated with the "Khalistan" movement instigated and led the attacks against the five deras of the Sacha Sauda sect on Thursday evening. Pushed to the very fringe of Punjabi society, the Khalistanis resurfaced in considerable strength during the panthic meet convened by the Akal Takht at Talwandi Sabo on Thursday. Taking Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti and his fellow clerics completely by surprise, the radicals who represent once-outlawed outfits like the Dal Khalsa, Babbar Khalsa, Sikh Students' Federation and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale's own seminary, Damdami Taksal, intelligence sources said, "dubbed the Akal Takht's edict calling for a social and political boycott of the Dera and its followers as too soft... This was part of a pre-planned strategy."Seconds after Jathedar Vedanti delivered his edict, Damdami Taksal chief Harnam Singh Dhumma, alias Harnam Singh Bhindranwale, hijacked the panthic stage and declared that "Sikhs would deal with the heretics (Sacha Sauda followers) in their own way." Minutes later, supported by SSF activist Daljeet Singh Bittu and other former Khalistanis, he exhorted a 20,000-strong mob of frenzied devotees to follow him in avenging the insult done to their Guru.For more than eight hours, Dhumma and the mob laid siege to the Sacha Sauda Dera at Salabatpura intent in razing it to the ground, unmindful of the fact that thousands of Sacha Sauda followers — men, women and children — had taken refuge inside. It was only because of the massive police presence and the fact that the Sikh mob considerably thinned out during the siege that Salabatpura and its inhabitants survived Thursday night.The radicals, however, met with more of their kind of success at Maur Mandi, Khanna, Sunam and some other Sacha Sauda establishments, which were thoroughly vandalised even though one Sikh paid with his life at Sunam. On Friday, at Kamalhit Singh's funeral in Sunam, the Khalistanis happily proclaimed him "the first shaheed (martyr) of the new holy war against the heretics of Sacha Sauda." The announcements were met with lusty "Khalistan Zindabad" slogans.
Most Punjabis had nothing to do with faith frenzyChandigarh: Having witnessed mindless terrorism for over a decade and a half (1982-95), a majority of the people in Punjab condemned the latest round of violence this week instigated by hardline Sikh groups that tried to hijack the state in the name of religion. Contrary to what television visuals showed angry Sikhs and equally determined Dera Sacha Sauda sect followers taking to the streets with swords, traditional weapons, sticks, bricks and anything they could lay their hands on, a majority of the state's population comprising the dominant Sikh community, Hindus, Muslims, Christians and others had no involvement in the frenzy. The Sikhs who took to the streets were mainly those owing allegiance to radical Sikh organisations like Damdami Taksal - which still continues to preach separatist ideology - Dal Khalsa and other hardline groups. A section of the Sikh community protested against the chief of the sect, Gurmit Ram Rahim portraying himself on the lines of revered 10th guru Gobind Singh. Though all Sikhs and people from other religions seemed upset with the portrayal, it was only a small section of the community that resorted to violence. The incidents made the state remember black days of terrorism in just five days this week. "The TV visuals have done a lot of damage to the Sikh community. Brandishing swords and sticks and attacking shops and properties are not the values of our progressive community. People will get an impression that we are a primitive community living in the 21st century. Our political leadership is responsible for allowing this to happen," lamented educationist Raghubir Singh of Phagwara town. Leaders of the Damdami Taksal and other hardliners, who had been lying low since terrorism was wiped out of Punjab in 1995 and all communities had been living in peace, suddenly found an issue in the Dera Sacha Sauda controversy to assume centre stage. "These organisations have their own agenda. Not every Sikh or Punjabi is with them. People are more bothered about peace and their bread and butter," retired government officer Swaran Singh told IANS. As the state saw near normalcy Friday, people across Punjab, particularly businessmen and traders from all communities, Saturday tried to get things in order and count the losses they suffered during four days of violence. Helped by the indifference of the Akali Dal government led by Parkash Singh Badal in controlling the situation from going out of hand in the beginning itself, these radical elements enjoyed a free run all over the state, especially in the cotton-rich Malwa belt of south Punjab. "My government has done everything to control the situation. What do you know what we have been doing behind the scenes to curb rising passions (of the Sikh community). We will not allow anyone to take law in their hands," Chief Minister Badal told reporters here Friday. But the hardline Sikh groups are not going to let things pass as easily. The May 20 deadline to the Badal government to get the sect chief arrested is the biggest hurdle that the state government will face on Sunday. The arrival of nearly 40 companies of paramilitary forces, who have also conducted flag marches in various parts of Punjab, and deployment of Punjab police in good numbers will ensure that violence will not erupt again next week.

Respite - the latest from Punjab

Chandigarh, May 18Deployment of para military forces and promulgation of prohibitory orders notwithstanding, stray incidents of violence, arson and protests were reported from different parts of Punjab where the overall situation continued to be tense but under control on the fifth day today.
Besides sealing of the Punjab and Haryana border, paramilitary forces have taken position in sensitive and vulnerable areas where they held flag marches after promulgation of prohibitory orders.
Schools will remain closed in many districts tomorrow as assembly of five or more persons, taking out of processions and carrying of firearms have been prohibited under Section 144 of the Cr PC.
Though both the Sikh organisations and the Dera Sacha Sauda indicated no reconciliatory move to defuse situation, the Punjab Government reiterated that it would deal any law and order situation arising out of the current controversy with an iron hand.
The SAD-BJP government, which assumed office only in first week of March, also wanted a message to go to the intended investors, especially multinational and foreign companies, that no laxity would be shown towards those trying to disturb the peaceful environs in the state.
Meanwhile, The Punjab Council of Ministers, which met under Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal here today, held that despite grave provocation, situation in the state had remained totally under control. Barring a few unpleasant incidents, the state remained peaceful and free from communal tension.
The government's firm resolve to preserve peace and communal harmony besides maintenance of law and order at all costs was reiterated. An appeal was made to the people to preserve traditional Punjabi unity, communal harmony and peace.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister reviewed the situation at a meeting with the Chief Secretary Ramesh Inder Singh, Principal Secretary Home Bhushan Chander Gupta and Director-General NPS Aulakh. Strict instructions were issued to all DCs and SSPs to take measures to maintain and peace and communal harmony.
Underlining the need to involve members of all political parties, social organisations and prominent people, they have been issued instructions to hold meetings of peace committees in the district and at sub divisional towns to seek their support and cooperation to maintain peace and communal harmony.
Though a near-complete bandh was observed in many cities and towns today, two shops and as many houses were ransacked in Dhuri as members of various Sikh organisations held demonstrations and protests throughout the state.
Tension escalated in Sunam where an agitated mob wanted to take out the body of Kamaljit Singh in a procession after post-mortem examination. Kamaljit had died of bullet injuries outside Sunam Dera of Sacha Sauda. Senior leaders of various Sikh organisations, however, prevailed upon the agitated mourners.
In Bathinda, the Judicial Accountability and Human Rights Protection Organisation (NZ) moved a petition before the local police demanding registration of a criminal case against five Congress MLAs of the Malwa belt for inciting violence yesterday.
Though the police registered two cases in Bathinda yesterday, the allegations made by the organisation were being investigated. No case has been registered.

Calm returns to Salabatpura

Salabatpura (Bathinda), May 18A day after thousands of Sikhs surrounded the Salabatpura branch of Dera Sacha Sauda threatening to attack the same, the situation was brought under control after paramilitary forces where deployed in the village. A flag march was also taken out in this village of Bathinda district today.
DIG, Faridkot range, Jatinder Jain said eight companies of paramilitary forces, including four companies of Border Security Force (BSF) and four companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) had reached the Bathinda district. He said one company had been deployed in Mansa district.
Terming the situation as peaceful and under absolute control, he said there was adequate paramilitary presence in the area.
The situation in this village had turned volatile late last evening when thousands of members of various Sikh organisations had marched towards the dera here threatening to destroy it. The angry protesters were expressing their dissatisfaction over the edict issued at Takht Damdama Sahib yesterday by Sikh clergy in connection with the alleged anti-Sikh Panth activities.
Sensing the gravity of the situation, the police had swung into action and deployed a large number policemen here along with erecting checkpoints on roads leading to this village.

Punjab the latest - Dera wants Makkar arrested

Sirsa, May 18After the Sikhs high priests’ edict, now the Dera Sacha Sauda sect high-level committee, in a strong tone today, demanded the arrest of the SGPC president Avtar Singh, former SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur and three “hardliners” Baljit Singh, Daljit Singh and former Akal Takht jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh, holding them responsible for the yesterday’s attacks on a number of deras in Punjab.
The official-bearers of the sect maintained that they were ready to hold a dialogue with the Sikh high priests to solve the problem. “We have opened all channels to solve the conflict, but the Sikh hardliners have not responded so far,” the committee said. It maintained that the Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh had never imitated the 10th Guru Gobind Singh. So we can solve this issue with mutual consent once the dialogue is opened, a committee member added.
The chief spokesman of the dera Dr Aditya Arora said that the high level committee of the dera, comprising office-bearers from all over the country, took the decision here after holding a series of meetings. We demanded that the criminal cases should be registered against all five “fundamentalists”, including the SGPC president Avtar Singh, and they should be arrested. A number of deras were burnt in Punjab and foul language used. This could have been avoided if they had made an attempt to solve the dispute with mutual consent, he added.
He said that it was unfortunate that the Punjab government remained a mute spectator in the whole episode and did not utter a single word to control the deteriorating the law and order situation yesterday. The government even did not express its concern for the families of yesterday’s incidents.

Latest News from Punjab as it comes

Kanwaljit Singh cremated under heavy security

Sushil GoyalTribune News ServiceSangrur, May 18Kanwaljit Singh (28), a local resident, who died in a firing near Naam Charcha Ghar of the Dera Sacha Sauda at Sunam yesterday night, was today cremated amid great tension and under heavy security in the presence of Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Balwant Singh Nandgarh, chief of Damdami Taksal Harnam Singh Dhuman, a former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Bhai Jasbir Singh Rode, SAD (A) vice-president Bhai Daljit Singh Bittu, Sikh saints and leaders at the local cremation ground.Situation remained tense for about 15 minutes when a number of youths, carrying swords and lathis, stopped the vehicles, including the one carrying Kanwaljit Singh’s body, as they were insisting to take it to the cremation ground through the main bazars of the town, but the family and religious leaders had decided to carry the body through a shortest route (Baguana-Ubhawal-Sangrur road) to avoid any untoward incident.On this, Jathedar Nandgarh announced, “Jo ohda sir liayu, sone chandi naal tol diange” (who will bring the head of Dera Sacha Sauda’s chief, he will be weighed against gold and silver). This paved the way for carrying Kanwaljit Singh’s body to the cremation ground through the shortest route (Baguana-Ubhawal-Sangrur).In the wake of Kanwaljit Singh’s cremation, who got married about one and half years ago and had a six-month old daughter, all local shopkeepers had downed their shutters for the entire day. The BSF and the Punjab Police kept vigil on various spots in the town to prevent any untoward incident.In Sunam, a mob reportedly ransacked two houses and two shops of dera followers. All markets in the town also remained closed for the day. The mob also took out a protest march through the town while a BSF company took out a flag march.In Bhawanigarh, a protest march was also taken out by Sikh organisations against the dera head. In Dhuri, activists of Sikh organisations also burnt an effigy of the dera head.

Latest News - Punjab - the blackout!

Indian troops sent to quell Sikh unrest
Bruce Loudon, South Asia correspondent
May 19, 2007
THOUSANDS of Indian troops were rushing to north Indian states last night to tackle the most serious Sikh uprising in decades.
The deployment came as a bomb tore through one of India's oldest and biggest mosques, killing five people and wounding 24 others as thousands of worshippers attended prayers.
The bomb was thought to have been placed inside a water tank in the southern city of Hyderabad's historic Mecca mosque. Two other devices were defused following the explosion.
Commandos from the Rapid Action Force were among those deployed to the north after days of unrest and violence between the majority Sikhs and members of a prominent religious sect, the Dera Sacha Sauda.
The unrest is believed to have a political dimension linked to elements of the Khalistan movement for a Sikh homeland that set the region ablaze more than 20 years ago, as well as controversial support by the sect for the Congress party in a recent state assembly election.
The first fatalities and injuries were reported yesterday as reinforcements were sent to Punjab and Haryana states near New Delhi, as well as western areas of the capital, which has large Sikh communities.
Troops were reported staging flag marches through some cities and towns to try to put off potential rioters.
As tens of thousands of angry Sikhs besieged ashrams and other buildings belonging to the DSS amid fears of a full-scale conflict, Home Minister Shivraj Patil summoned an emergency meeting of security officials and sent in the reinforcements.
Up to 25,000 Sikhs armed with swords and bricks were said to have surrounded a DSS campus near Salabetpura, in Punjab, as police and troops tried to separate them. At Sirsa, in Haryana state, tens of thousands of DSS were said to have mobilised to face down an advancing column of Sikhs determined to attack them.
"The situation is very grave. There is the threat of major violence," one senior security official said last night.
Reports claimed that supporters of a Khalistan independent Sikh homeland who were behind the storming of Sikhism's holiest shrine, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, in 1984 and the subsequent assassination of Indira Gandhi were in the vanguard of the attacks on the DSS.
But the immediate cause of the upsurge in communal tensions is an ultimatum from Sikh leaders to the state Government in Punjab to take action against the DSS for alleged anti-Sikh activities.
This follows fury after the leader of the DSS, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, appeared dressed as revered Sikh guru Gobind Singh in a newspaper advertisement.
It sparked two days of fierce clashes between DSS and Sikh followers.
Analysts equated the upheaval with similar clashes between the Nirnkari religious sect and other Sikh organisations in 1980.
Those clashes are regarded as the starting point for 15 years of violence and militancy in Punjab and Haryana.
Adding significantly to the current conflict is a directive, in the recent Punjab state election, given by the DSS leader to his followers to vote for the Congress party.
Congress lost the election, and the DSS support for the party enraged the winners, the Shriomani Akali Dal, which is made up mainly of nationalistic Sikhs.

MASS RALLY IN WEST LONDON SOUTHALL - 19th May 2007 at 5pm

We request all sangat to please attend the event and protect your faith from pakhandi saints like this one they are trying to make a joke out of Sikhism stand up against them join the protest against them make people aware that this person is wrong. Sikhs all round the World are standing up for justice in Punjab there has been many clashes this proves that the Sikhs of Punjab have love for thier religion and are ready to give thier lives for the religion. On Saturday let the UK Sikhs prove that we want justice. Many years ago Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhinderwale warned about this cult and we need to stop the cult but no one listened open your ears get active stand up for your religion!

Message of the Audio - It is the job of the khalsa to stand up for justice. It is the duty of the khalsa to stand up against the wrong and pakhandi saints this is what the Gurus teach.

Violence erupts in Patiala, Punjab remains tense

PATIALA

Violence erupted in the Arya Samaj area of Patiala today due to the ongoing tension between various Sikh organisations and Dera Sacha Sauda supporters. Supporters of various Akali parties took out a protest march in the city, raising slogans against Baba Gurmit Ram Rahim.While the march was passing through Arya Samaj crossing area bricks were thrown at the protesters. The bricks hit the vehicles parked on the streets. Following this, protesters in the march went berserk. They started throwing stones, cold drink bottles and bricks at houses and shops in the locality. They also damaged vehicles and ransacked some shops and houses. A few youths were injured in this melee. The police had to resort to a mild lathi charge to disperse the protesters.Residents of Arya Samaj chowk area, however, accused the police of being soft on the protesters. The police remained a mute spectator while the protesters damaged vehicles and ransacked shops in the area, they added. It was only after the things started getting out of hand and people of the area started reacting that the police moved to stop the protesters. The shopkeepers of the area downed their shutters in protests against damage to their property. Tension also brewed on the campus of Punjabi University, Patiala, as Akali workers and supporters of Dera Sacha Sauda gathered and raised slogans. Sensing more trouble the university security officer informed the police. Due to the timely intervention of the police the situation was saved from turning ugly.

District magistrate D.S. Grewal imposed Section 144 of the CrPC, banning gathering of more than five persons at a place in the district. The DIG, Patiala range, said a case had been registered against unidentified persons who had resorted to violence in the Arya Samaj area. Reports of protests were also received from Sanor and Rajpura.The Sikh Intelligentsia Forum, Punjabi University, held a meeting here today to discus the issue of clash between SGPC men and Dera Sacha Sauda followers.Dr Kulbir Singh Dhillon, president of the forum, Prof Dalbir Singh Dhillon, patron of the forum and Harpal Singh Pannu, general secretary were present.It was decided in the meeting that a delegation of the forum should meet Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to discuss the issue.

AMRITSAR

Sikh youths brandishing swords today forced a complete bandh in Amritsar and damaged shops which were found open, even as no Sikh organisation had given a call for this. At Lawrence road, the police bundled some youths into their vehicles but they were got released by a mob. The police had a tough time throughout the day even as tension gripped the town. At most of the places the police remained a mute spectator. Most of the schools remained close following widespread protests in different parts of the city. The police had a tough time in controlling different groups.Meanwhile, Manjit Singh Calcutta, Onkar Singh Sharifpur - both SGPC members and representatives of various Sikh organisations, have announced that despite differences of opinion they would respond to any call given by Akal Takht, SGPC or SAD to curb the activities of the dera in Punjab and elsewhere. However, Calcutta held Badal responsible for mushrooming of such deras in the state. Calcutta said if the Sikh clergy, SAD and SGPC failed to give an appropriate action programme at Talwandi Sabo tomorrow, the Panth would itself spearhead the agitation.

Fatehgarh Sahib

Hundreds of activists of various Sikh organisations, led by Karnail Singh Panjoli, SGPC member, organised a protest march against the dera.The protesters raised slogans and demanded the arrest of the dera chief. A delegation, comprising Amardeep Singh Dharni, N.S. Tiwana, Ravinder Singh Khalsa and Surinder Kaur, submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner, urging the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers of Haryana and Punjab to check the activities of the dera.

HOSHIARPUR

Sikh protesters came out on the streets in Hoshiarpur, Dasuya and Mukerian towns today and burnt effigies of the head of Dera Sacha Sauda.In Hoshiarpur several Sikh youths of Akhand Kirtani Jatha (Parbandhki Panchayat) brandished swords and other traditional weapons and took out a protest march from Gurdwara Singh Sabha here to show their resentment. Later, they burnt an effigy of the dera chief at the local Prabhat Chowk.In Mukerian activists of the Mulazam Dal burnt an effigy of Baba Ram Rahim Gurmeet at the SDM chowk and presented a memorandum to the SDM in this regard.In Dasuya SAD activists took out a march to the SDM office and presented him a memorandum in this connection. Shopkeepers of Vijay Market, Dasuya, also staged a protest march in the town.

SANGRUR

Students of Physical, Gurmat and Akal Degree Colleges, all situated at Mastuana Sahib, on Wednesday burnt the effigy of the head of Dera Sacha Sauda Baba at Mastuana Sahib, about 5 km from here. They also blocked traffic on the Sangrur-Barnala road for about 20 minutes and raised slogans against the dera head.Several Sikh organisations also took out a protest march through the main bazars at Sunam, about 13 km from here. The SDM Navtej Singh was later given a memorandum. Representatives and leaders of more than 15 Sikh organisations also held a protest meeting at Gurdwara Mehal Mubarak, Sangrur, and submitted a memorandum to SDM Mohan Lal. They demanded the registeration of a case against the dera head. Demanding immediate arrest of Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim, Sikh protesters on Wednesday took out a march through the main bazars of the town. They burnt the effigy of the dera head and raised slogans. Equipped with swords and lathis, they assembled at Gurdwara Ghorian Wala. All bazars and schools in the town remained closed.

NAWANSHAHR

The situation here was tense but under control. The activists of various Sikh religious bodies gathered here at Gurdwara Singh Sabha and held a meeting and passed resolutions urging the jathedar of Akal Takht to issue a hukamnama against the chief of the dera.Activists of the Sikh religious bodies also raised slogans and blocked traffic here at the Chandigarh Chowk for some time. SGPC member Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa has demanded that the dera chief should tender his apology before Akal Takht.

Rajpura

The situation turned tense here when hundreds of Akali workers protesting against Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh, head of dera Sacha Sauda, sat on dharna blocking the road near Gagan chowk this afternoon. Earlier in the morning, a large number of people assembled at Gurdwara Singh Sabha where local Akali leaders, including Mewa Singh Bhangu, Abrinder Singh Kang, Nardev Singh Akri, Hardev Singh Kandewala, and Jasbir Singh Jassi, addressed the gathering and asked them not to crate any tension in the region and wait for the outcome of meeting of Panthic Committee to be held at Talwandi Sabo on May 17.Despite the presence of DSP Bhupinder Singh Khatra, SHO (city) Bikramjit Singh Brar, and SHO (sadar) Krishan Kumar along with heavy police force, the youth managed to reach Gagan chowk brandishing swords and wooden planks raising slogans against the dera chief.Earlier in the morning, some miscreants set on fire a centre of Dera Sacha Sauda at Pilkahni village near here. Dera sevadar Amar Singh complained to the police that the dera committee purchased the land from Surinder Singh Chhida, a resident of Islampur village, and advanced him Rs 7 lakh against the deal. Later, Chhinda did not register the land in the name of dera and he allegedly set a room of dera on fire today morning. The police denied that the incident was related to recent incidents and registered a case against the accused.

(News)

Don't fiddle with Sikh traditions and principles: Akal Takht

Amritsar: The five priests of the Akal Takht on Tuesday warned against fiddling with Sikh traditions and principles.Addressing a news conference here this evening, the five priests, led by Akal Takht Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti, expressed their objections over the alleged blasphemous acts of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh of the Dera Sacha Sauda. The five high priests said that the Khalsa Panth is capable of tackling elements fiddling with Sikh traditions laid down by the ten Sikh Guru and the Guru Granth Sahib.The high priests said that they would be convening a meeting on May 17 at the Damdama Sahib to discuss the Ram Rahim Singh incident.Condemning the incident, SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar blamed the previous Congress Government headed by Chief Minister Captain (retired) Amarinder Singh for instigating Dera Sacha Sauda to indulge in this sort of propaganda. Dera was mired in controversy following a CBI inquiry against its chief for his alleged involvement in a journalist’s murder.He was referring to the incident involving followers of the Damdami Taksal (Bhindranwala) and other Sikh organizations, who set effigies of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Sant Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh ablaze in protest against an ad that showed the latter dressed as Guru Gobind Singh.The protesters also marched through the streets of Amritsar with placards and unsheathed swords. The march commenced from the Hall Gate and concluded at the Akal Takht Sahib.Gunam Singh, a follower, said that if the government failed to take action against Rahim Singh, the Damdami Taksal (Bhindranwala) activists would take the law into their own hands and punish him.Charanjit Singh, another follower, said Gurmeet Singh Ram Raheem Singh had not only hurt the sentiments of Sikhs, but was also key perpetrator of violence in Punjab and other parts of India. Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti has taken serious note of the incident, but appealed to the protesters to exercise restraint.Members of the SGPC along with activists of various Sikh organisations of Hoshiarpur led by Harjinder Singh Dhami, secretary of the SGPC, in a memorandum presented to the President of India through Deputy Commissioner here today sought ban on Dera Sacha Sauda for anti-Sikh activities which could disturb peace in the state.Dera History SheetWITH the CBI expected to file its investigation report in criminal cases registered against Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda in the Punjab and Haryana High Court on April 16, some Congress leaders from Punjab are reportedly mounting pressure on the Central leadership to bail out the accused. Sources said some MLAs, accompanied by CLP leader Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, have sought the intervention of party president Sonia Gandhi. The move, dubbed as gratitude towards the dera for its support to the Congress during the assembly elections, could become a major cause of embarrassment for the party. Some dera supporters had set up its Political Affairs Wing (PAW) during the elections and declared that nearly 6.1 lakh voters affiliated to it in Malwa, besides about 60,000 in other parts of the state, would vote for the Congress. Notably, followers of the dera, called 'premis', have a strong presence in the Malwa region. The dera jumped into the fray to mobilise supporters in favour of the Congress candidate from Bathinda, Harminder Singh Jassi, whose daughter is married to son of dera head Sant Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh. The dera head is facing a CBI inquiry into the murder of a follower who had gone public on alleged sexual harassment of dera women. The probe was initiated after the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the CBI to look into the charges of sexual harassment of women inmates by the dera head and murders of complainant, Ranjit Singh, and a journalist, Ram Chander Chhatrapati. Some women dera inmates had reportedly written an anonymous letter, levelling allegations of sexual harassment against its head, to several newspapers, including 'Poora Sach' of Chhatrapati, which carried reports based on the letter. Set up in Sirsa in April 1948 by Beparwah Shah Mastana Balochistani as the centre of spiritual learning, Dera Sacha Sauda welcomed people from all walks of life without any discrimination based on caste, culture or religion. The successor of Shah Mastana, Shah Satnam Singh, took over in 1960 and followed the tenets of his predecessor. On September 23, 1990, Shah Satnam held a huge satsang, where he announced his successor, Sant Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh. Parents of Sant Gurmit Ram Rahim, who was born on August 15, 1967, at Gurusar Modia village in Sri Ganganagar district, were followers of the dera. Possessing nearly 700-acre land in Sirsa, the dera has agricultural land, a revolving restaurant, biscuit factory, supermarket and an ice plant. Sources said the main source of their income was agriculture. The dera also runs a charitable co-educational school, a 175-bed hospital at Gurusar Modia and holds relief camps during natural calamities. The dera claims to have started rehabilitation work for tribals in Chhattisgarh. Sources in the dera claim that it had the following of about 1.7 crore people in the USA, Canada, Italy, Middle East, New Zealand and UK among other countries.

Shri Guru Gobind Singh's Gift

Every baptized Sikh is to wear a Kirpan (Sword). This Kirpan (Sword) is a gift from our Guru (Holy Teacher). This kirpan is not to be used in defense or to carry out on offence. The baptized Sikh who carries the kirpan is to have a sword-like mind. The kirpan is to be a sign of a sensitive soul.

The Kirpan can cut very rapidly, the mind can also cut lots in an instant. The kirpan is the symbol of the personality of a Sikh that knows no defeat, no disappointment and a personality that is unconqurable in its hope and spirituality. Guru Gobind Singh Maharaj Says “I will make my one dominate over a million.” This statement is not necessarily to be considered in battle but the presence of a great spiritual person overpowers millions of people for example a Sant (Holy Saint). The mind is nothing without a flash of lightening and instant decisions the same is that a Guru Sikh is noting without Kirpan. He who wears the Kirpan and is a baptized Sikh and wears the Gurus Word lives on the given path is part of the spirit of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaaj. It is all very well to wear the kirpan outside and be baptized but if the Gurus Bani (Holy Scriptures) are not recited and the soul is not fed there is no point of wearing a Kirpan. Kirpan is not just a physical state but a mental state too.

Before we result to violence there are many other ways of solving problems. Guru Nanak Dev Ji (the first Sikh Holy Teacher) didn’t have a sword he talked to people with love and convinced them by feeding their souls not by using violence. The last result is to pick up the Kirpan if all else fails.

The Kirpan is one of the 5 Ks the other one of the 5Ks is Hair, it is considered to be the spiritual crown of humanity and given by God so it shouldn’t be abused by shaving cutting etc. We are killing our souls and love for the Guru by forgetting to keep our hair this is shame on us more then anyone else. We have forgotten in this modern day of the sacrifices our brothers and sisters went through to maintain peace and keep religions alive. Many people laid down their lives for justice and peace all we could do is to keep our hair as a thanks offering. The Kara (iron bangle) is a symbol of remembrance of our history and the Gurus and ultimately God. Each Sikh has beard, Sikhs are molded in the image of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Maharaaj.

So the Kirpan is not a defense weapon it is to protect the weak and poor. In the modern day of Kaljug (Dark Ages) we have forgotten the purpose of a Kirpan and we think that it is a weapon we can use anywhere, this is totally wrong. The kirpan is a gift from the Guru and should be respected and only be worn by baptized Sikhs and it shows love for the religion and we know that we stand up to protect the weak and poor.

Sabh Jot Teri Jagjeevana!

God is the light of all in the World and he fills each heart in the whole World with his love. God is everywhere we just need to open our eyes and realise, that God is in all. So you musn't let the 5 thiefs win the battle. Sikhs are constantly having a battle with the 5 thiefs within the body and mind, a battle is not always outside. This battle is within, where we fight kaam - desire, moh - attachment, krodh - anger, lobh - greed and hankar - ego. We can only fight these thieves if we chant the name of God 'Vaheguru, Allah, Ram" however you want to recite the lords name this will save you from the five thieves and help you to win the inner battle.

Translation in English of Shabad Audio - Sabh Jot Teri Jagjeevana


sabh joth thaeree jagajeevanaa thoo ghatt ghatt har ra(n)g ra(n)ganaa
You are the Light of all, the Life of the World; You imbue each and every heart with Your Love.

sabh dhhiaavehi thudhh maerae preethamaa thoo sath sath purakh nira(n)janaa
All meditate on You, O my Beloved; You are the True, True Primal Being, the Immaculate Lord.

eik dhaathaa sabh jagath bhikhaareeaa har jaachehi sabh ma(n)g ma(n)ganaa
The One is the Giver; the whole world is the beggar. All the beggars beg for His Gifts.

saevak t(h)aakur sabh thoohai thoohai guramathee har cha(n)g cha(n)ganaa
You are the servant, and You are the Lord and Master of all. Through the Guru's Teachings, we are ennobled and uplifted.

sabh kehahu mukhahu rikheekaes harae rikheekaes harae jith paavehi sabh fal falanaa
Let everyone say that the Lord is the Master of the senses, the Master of all faculties; through Him, we obtain all fruits and rewards.

Shri Guru Arjun Dev Ji Maharaaj

Guru Arjan Dev Ji 15th April 1563 - 30 May 1606 was the fifth of the ten Sikh Gurus and became Guru on 1st September 1581 following in the footsteps of Guru Raam Dass Ji. Before Guru Ji died, he nominated Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, his son as the next Guru of the Sikhs.

The following is a summary of the main highlights of Guru Ji life:

Made a huge contribution in the number of hymns & finalisation of the Shri Guru Granth Sahib

Guru Ji contributed a total of 2218 hymns to the Shri Guru Granth Sahib.
Author of Sukhmani Sahib Bani – Prayer for Peace
Compiled and installed for the first time the holy Sikh Book, which at this stage is called Adi Granth, a major achievement.
Built the Golden Temple and developed Amritsar as a Centre of Excellence.
Enhanced the Structure of Sikh Society by introducing the Masund system
First Sikh Guru to be martyred.

Hymn by Guru Arjan Dev from the Sukhmani Sahib- Shri Guru Granth Sahib from page 262

Meditate, meditate, meditate peace is obtained, Worry and anguish is
expelled from the body.
Remembering God, you’re not reborn. Remembering God,
the fear of death is dispelled.
Remembering God, death is eliminated.
Remembering God, your enemies are repelled.
Remembering God, no obstacles
are met. Remembering God, night and day you’re fully awake.
Remembering God,
fear cannot touch you. Remembering God, you don’t suffer with sorrow.
Remembrance of God, in the Company of Saints. All treasures, O Nanak, are by
Lord’s Blessing.

Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhinderwale

Wake up Sikh Youth the Sikh Panth needs you, stop fighting amongst each other and stand up united for the Sikh Faith! "Nashey chaddo, Amrit chhako, Gursikh bano - Give up addictions, Take Amrit, Become good Sikhs."

"A Hindu should be a firm Hindu, a Muslim should be a firm Muslim, and a Sikh should be a firm Sikh."

"If we speak to someone with hatred and try to assert our superiority, it will create hatred in the minds of everyone. So long as we have the spirit of love, so long as we have the support of Satguru Hargobind Sahib, the Master of Miri and Piri, is there any power on earth that can subdue us?"

" Without Sacrifice it will not survive; the faith will not survive; the faith will not survive without sacrifice of our lives."


"The Foundations of Khalistan will be laid on the day the Indian Army attack the Golden Temple."


"Physical death I don't fear, death of conscience is a sure death."

Sant Jarnail Singh Ji Khalsa Bhinderwale

Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was born in village Rode located in Faridkot District of Punjab, in 1947. From his childhood, he had a religious bent of mind. Sant Gurbachan Singh Khalsa, head of the Damdami Taksaal, the premier Sikh religious school, visited the child's village and suggested to Joginder Singh, Jarnail Singh's father, that his son join the Taksaal as a student. Coming to the Taksaal in 1965, Jarnail Singh received instruction in Sikh theology and history under Sant Gurbachan Singh's tutelage and later Sant Kartar Singh Bhindranwale's. He grew up to be an effective preacher of the faith. On August 25, 1977, upon the death of Sant Kartar Singh, he became head of the Taksaal.

From July 1977 to July 1982, Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale extensively toured cities and villages of Punjab to preach the Sikh faith. He also visited other states and cities in India. Wherever he went, he carried Siri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib's message to every home exhorting Sikhs to take Amrit, observe the Sikh appearance, and live according to the teachings of Siri Guru Granth Sahib. As Tavleen Singh tells us: 'His philosophy in six words was Nashey chaddo, Amrit chhako, Gursikh bano (Give up addictions, Take Amrit, Become good Sikhs)'.
Explaining his mission, he said: 'My mission is to administer Amrit, to explain the meanings of Gurbani and to teach Gurbani to those around me; ... and (to tell people) that a Hindu should be a firm Hindu, a Muslim should be a firm Muslim, and a Sikh should be a firm Sikh'. His preaching was based on love. He said: 'If we speak to someone with hatred and try to assert our superiority, it will create hatred in the minds of everyone. So long as we have the spirit of love, so long as we have the support of Satguru Hargobind Sahib, the Master of Miri and Piri, is there any power on earth that can subdue us?' He wanted the Sikhs to come back to Anandpur, their home' by taking Amrit, and become his brothers and sons of Siri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib.
Sant Bhindranwale had a charismatic personality and spoke in simple village idiom. Those who listened to him, were impressed by his simple living, personal charm, and clear thinking. Joyce Pettigrew, who met him in 1980, writes: 'There was a very close association between the Sant and the people, as I myself witnessed on a visit to meet Sant Bhindranwale in Guru Nanak Niwas.' According to Shiva, Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale 'gained his popularity with the Punjab peasantry by launching an ideological crusade against the cultural corruption of Punjab. The most ardent followers of Bhindranwale in his first phase of rising popularity were children and women, both because they were relatively free of the new culture of degenerative consumption, and they were worst hit by the violence it generated. In the second phase of Bhindranwale's popularity, men also joined his following, replacing vulgar movies with visits to gurdwaras, and reading the 'gurbani' in place of pornographic literature.

The Sant's following grew as he successfully regenerated the 'good' life of purity, dedication and hard work by reviving these fundamental values of the Sikh religion's way of life. The popularity of Bhindranwale in the countryside was based on this positive sense of fundamentalism as revitalizing the basic moral values of life that had been the first casualty of commercial capitalism. During the entire early phase of Bhindranwale's preaching, he made no anti-government or anti-Hindu statement, but focused on the positive values of the Sikh religion. His role was largely that of a social and religious reformer.' According to Khushwant Singh: 'Within a short period of becoming head of the Taksaal, Jarnail Singh came to be recognized as the most effective instrument of renaissance of Sikh fundamentalism. He toured villages exhorting Sikh youth to return to the spartan ways of the Khalsa started by Guru Gobind Singh: not to clip their beards, to abstain from smoking, drinking and taking drugs. Wherever he went, he baptized young men and women by the hundreds. An integral part of his preaching was that all Sikhs should, as had been required by their warrior Guru Gobind Singh, be shastradharis - weapon-bearers.' Tully and Jacob state that: 'In spite of the Government's propaganda, to many people Bhindranwale remained a sant, or holy man, not a terrorist.' The religious revival lead by Sant Bhindranwale resulted in a large number of Sikhs, especially the youth, receiving initiation into the Sikh faith. According to Khushwant Singh: 'Bhindranwale's amrit prachar was a resounding success. Adults in their thousands took oaths in public to abjure liquor, tobacco and drugs and were baptized. Video cassettes showing blue films and cinema houses lost out to the village gurdwara. Men not only saved money they had earlier squandered in self-indulgence, but now worked longer hours on their lands and raised better crops. They had much to be grateful for to Jarnail Singh who came to be revered by them as Baba Sant Jarnail Singhji Khalsa Bhindranwale.'

When Sant Bhindranwale was staying in the Darbar Sahib complex during 1982 and 1983, four to five hundred persons were administered Amrit each Wednesday and Sunday. On April 13, 1983 over ten thousand were initiated and during the month ending on April 13, 1984, forty-five thousand Sikhs received Amrit. This revival was extremely significant and Sant Bhindranwale was emerging as the leading figure in the Sikh faith and a role-model for the youth. I was once told by a relative that his two sons had stopped taking tea. I asked him why, and if they had been to see Sant Bhindranwale. The reply was: 'No, it is just the way things are in Punjab. The young people love and admire him so much that if they come to know what the Sant does or doesn't do, they like to follow his example.' People sought his advice and intercession for personal problems and conflict resolution. Khushwant Singh reports: 'On a later visit to Amritsar I got an inkling into the reasons of Bhindranwale's popularity. I will narrate two incidents to illustrate this. One day a young girl came to see Bhindranwale. ..... She clutched his feet and sobbed out her story of how she was maltreated by her husband's family for failing to extract more money from her parents and of her husband's unwillingness to take her side. Bhindranwale asked her name and where she lived. "So you are a daughter of the Hindus," he said. "Are you willing to become the daughter of a Sikh?" She nodded. Bhindranwale sent a couple of his armed guards to fetch the girl's family. An hour later a very frightened trio consisting of the girl's husband and his parents were brought to his presence. "Is this girl a daughter of your household?", he demanded. They admitted she was. "She tells me that you want money from her father. I am her father." He placed a tray full of currency notes before them and told them: "take whatever you want". However, the three instead craved forgiveness.'

In June 1984 the Indian Goverment President Indra Ghandi sent an the Indian Army to storm the Golden Temple along with 38 other Historical Gurdwaras(Temples). This was code named 'Operation Bluestar". The aim of this attack was to kill as many sikhs as possible. Many survivors state they saw sikh men lined up with their hands tied behind their backs with their turbans and then being shot by Indian Army Soldiers. Women and children were inocently killed in the Complex of the Golden Temple. Sant Jarnail Singh Khalsa Bhinderawale also died(Shaheedi) for Sikhi fighiting against injustice. Sant Jarnail Singh Ji was just asking for basic rights for the sikhs of the Punjab. For example getting Punjabi to be considered a language in India and for the Golden Temple to get status that no alchol, ciggerettes or any other drug are allowed within a certain radius of the complex these were some rights that Sant Ji asked for. The Indian Goverment potrayed Bhinderwale Sant as a terrorist just for asking for those rights and Sant Ji stated "The biggest sin for a sikh is to kill an innocent person" just ask yourself Are these the words of a terrorist?. The Indian Goverment just wanted to kill innocent Sikhs and destroy the Sikhs but as they didn't know we have had many people come in the past and try to wipe the Sikhs out no one has been succsessful and they never will be.