On This Day

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

June 15th

1606 Foundation Stone of Sri Akal Takhat is laid by Sri Guru Har Gobind Sahib Ji.

Foundation Stone of Sri Akal Takhat is laid by Sri Guru Har Gobind Sahib Ji. This event marked the official declaraion of the sovereigntity of the Sikh nation. The Sikhs reject all other sovereignity and owed their allegiance to the Almighty only. After the revealation the Akal Takhat, Guru Hargobind Sahib issued the first Hukamnama (the royal letter) from the throne:

Guru Arjan has left for heavenly abode and the sixth Guru has been crowned. Those who would visit him at his Throne, should bring only good horses and good arms as offereings.

Sohan Kavi also referes to this Hukamnama which asked the Sikhs to visit him on Haar Sudi 20, 1663 BK (July 1606). The Guru, addressing, the audience, announced that he had formed an army to fight the tyrannyt of the rulers of Delhi, to preserve Sikh sovereignity and to save the Sikh religion. He asked the sikhs to be fully armed because religion could not be saved without resorting to arms against the tyrant regime and that was a must for the survival of their religion.

1940 Sikandar-Baldev Singh pact eastablished to improve Sikh_Muslim relations. Hindu press in Punjab went hysterical.

Sikandar-Baldev Singh pact was established. Under it Baldev Singh joined the Punjab Cabinet. Shortly afterwards, Sir Jogendra Singh was nominated as a member of teh Viceroy's expended council. This marked the beginning of the Akalis chartering an independent sourse. However, the Hindu press in Punajb, which seldom played a constructive role, went hysterical.

-Ref. The Sikhs in History, by Sangat Singh, 1995

1984 Akali Dal Youth Wing President, Prof. Prem Singh ChandMajra, arrested under National Security Act.

1984 Buya Singh replaces Chaudhary Subae Singh as SSP of Amritsar. Under Buya Singh, Sikhs suffered terrible autrocities. So much so that to protect his life he was transfered to Moscow.

1984 Ram Jaeth Malani, an eminent lawyer, resigned his position in Janta Party to challenge arrest of Sikh leaders in India's Supreme Court.

1984 Prof. Prem Singh Chand Marja, President of Akali Dal Youth Wing, is arrested by Patiala Police under National Security act.

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

June 16th

1922 Master Mota Singh was arrested from his village. Kishan Singh Gargaj, the chief architect of Babbar Akali Movement, was a staunch follower of his.

1984 Sadhu Singh Hamdard, editor of daily newspapet Ajit, returns his Padam Shri in protest for the Indian armed forces attack on Sri Harmindar Sahib, Amritsar. He was deeply disturbed by this attack. As a result he died os a heart attack on July 29, 1984.

==> SADHU SINGH HAMDARD was the editor of The Daily Ajit and a well-known poet of Punjabi. He was a great fan of Punjab, Punjabi language and Punjabism.

Sadhu Singh Hamdard was born in a poor family. He got an M.A. degree in political science. He also served as the Syndic and Senator of Guru Nanak Dev University for many years. He was not only a top-notch Punjabi journalist, he was also a top-notch poet, specially of gazels. His poetical teacher was Pandit Labhu Ram Josh Malsiani who belonged to the Dag school of poetry (traditonal Urdu poetry with great emphasis on meter and form). He received a PhD degree in poetry (gazel). His PhD thesis Gazel Janam te Vikas (Gazel: Origin and Development) was published by Guru Nanak Dev University. It is a very comprehensive work on the gazel form of Punjabi poetry. Punjabi Gazel is much more advanced than Hindi gazel today. Much credit goes to Dr. Sadhu Singh Hamdard.

Dr. Sadhu Singh was also a scholar of Urdu. At one time The Daily Ajit was simultaneously published in Punjabi and Urdu. He was very effective in countering the Mahasha (Hindu) propaganda against the Sikhs.

He returned his Padam Shri award when the Indian government attacked the Golden Temple.

Dr. Sadhu Singh wrote more than dozen books. Some of his poetry books include:

1. Gazel

2. Modern gazel

3. Rang Sugandh

4. Gazel de Rang

5. Cocktail

6. Modern Heer

He also wrote historical novels such as

1. Zeenat Baghel Singh

2. Takkar

He also wrote a travel book called, Akhin Ditha Roos. In the field of literary criticism he wrote the following books:

1. Islah

2. Kav Nirnha

Dr. Sadhu Singh Hamdard's contribution to Punjabi journalism is extremely valuable. The attack on the Golden Temple and Akal Takhat took a heavy toll on him. He died within few months after the Operation Blue Star.

1984 Villagers are fined Rs. 1crore for braking the river banks of main Bhakada river near Roper, in protest of operation Bluestar.

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

June 17th

1662 Bhai Sahib Singh Ji, one of the first five initiated into the Khalsa order, was born.

Bhai Sahib Singh Ji, one of the first five to be initiated into the Khalsa order, was born at Bidar (Karnatak Sate) to father Chaman and Mata Sonna Bhai. He was baptised by Guru Gobind Singh on the day of Khalsa's creation. After five years in 1704, he was killed in the battle of Chamkaur. He had participated in several battles prior to his baptism. Particularly, his active role in the battle of Bhangani in 1689 is described by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in the eighth Adhiayae of Bachiter Natak.

1923 Kar Sewa of Sri Amritsar sarowar was initiated by Panj Payara.

The Kar-Sewa of the scared tank at Amritsar was performed for the second time. The Panj payaras removed the first Kar with golden spades and silver buckets. Subsequently, the saewadars (including rich, poor, Hindu, Muslim, and Sikhs) carried out the kar sewa with humilty and devotion.

==> KAR SEWA: "Kar" refers to the debris found at the bottom of water tanks, pools, and wells. The Kar from Amritsar Sarowar is regularly removed every 50 years. Please note that an irregular "Kar Sewa" was conducted in 1984, by the government of India, as part of their mop-up operations to cover the brutalities of Operation Bluestar.

1983 Jathedar Talwinder Singh arrested by German police on the information given by traitor Satnam Singh.

1983 Railroad stoppage morcha initiated.

1984 Sikhs observed "Prayer Day" to protest against the Indian Army's attack on Sri Darbar Sahib (1984).

Sikhs observed "Ardas Diwas (prayer day)" to protest against the Indian Army's attack on Sri darbar Sahib. On this day congregations were held in Gurudwaras, Shaheeds were uligized, Sikhs men wore black turbans while Sikh women used black dupatas. All Sikh houses went without lighting any cooking.

Baba Harbans Singh Ji from Delhi given the responsibilities for reconstruction of Sri Akal Takhat. However, he request Singh Sahiban to bestow this responsibility upon Baba khadak Singh.

1984 Supreme Sikh Council decided to demolish the damaged Akal Takhat and to allocate the KarSewa for its rebuilding to Sant Harbans Singh. This meeting of the Five Head Priests was held in the damaged Darshani Deori of the Darbar Sahib complex. Buta Singh and Tarlochan Singh were also present at this meeting. To normalize the situation, about 14 essential conditions were given in writing. Baba Karak Singh gave his assent to this note.

These are the 14 conditions placed before the Government of India in June 1984 by the Singh Sahibans. Those who signed the document were the head priest of Sri Darbar Sahib; the head priest of Akal Takhat, Giani Kirpal Singh; the head priest of Damdama Sahib, Giani Lakkha Singh; the head priest of Anantpur Sahib, Giani Harcharan SIngh Mahalon; and the head granthi of Akal Takhat, Pritam Singh. The then Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, agreed to all conditions except to the withdrawal of the CRPF (No. 11) and the immediate condoning of the army deserters (No. 9) These are the 14 conditions placed before the Government of India in June 1984 by the Singh Sahibans. Those who signed the document were the head priest of Sri Darbar Sahib; the head priest of Akal Takhat, Giani Kirpal Singh; the head priest of Damdama Sahib, Giani Lakkha Singh; the head priest of Anantpur Sahib, Giani Harcharan SIngh Mahalon; and the head granthi of Akal Takhat, Pritam Singh. The then Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, agreed to all conditions except to the withdrawal of the CRPF (No. 11) and the immediate condoning of the army deserters (No. 9)

1. Army be pulled out forthwith from the Golden Temple and the Akal Takhat.

2. All further operations be handed over to the Sikh Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC).

3. Public be allowed to enter the Golden Temple precincts.

4. The SGPC staff and the gurdwaras be 'released' immediately as this will expedite administration and help restore the confidence of the Sikhs.

5. Immediate release of Sant Longowal and others.

6. Put an end to terrorism in the village of Punjab.

7. The head priests of the Golden Temple be allowed to screen the filming of the Operation Bluestar before it is broadcast over television.

8. Open all gurdwaras in Punjab and release their staff.

9. Sikh solidiers be condoned for 'desertion' after Operation Bluestar.

10. Steps be taken to stop the harassment of Sikhs inside buses and trains.

11. Withdraw the Central Reserve Police Force from Punjab immediately.

12. Proper arragements be made to house huge quantities of wheat stacked inside the Golden Temple langar (kitchen).

13. Sikhs living in Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and other states be protected and steps taken to bring to and their killings immediately.

14. Name of all Sikhs killed and arrested by the Government be published without delay.

-Ref. "Indian Express," June 8, 1995

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

I won't be able to get on sikhsangat for the next few days, so I am going to go ahead and post all the information today.

srry!

June 18th

1926 First elections to the Central Board under the Gurudwara Act.

1996 Indian Prime Minister, H.D. Deve Gowda, said a decision to send the army into the holiest of Sikh shrines in 1984 to flush out armed guerrillas was an unfortunate event. But he stopped short of offering a formal apology which Sikh leaders have been demanding for more than a decade from the government over the army action in which thousands of innocent people were killed.

In the 1984 action called Operation Bluestar, the army stormed the Golden Temple under the pretence of driving out armed militants who had occupied the shrine as part of their fight for an independent state, called Khalistan. Sikh leaders have demanded an apology for the operation from successive governments in New Delhi.

June 19th

1640 Guru Har Rai was married to Mata Krishen Kaur, daughter of Baba Daya Ram, of Bulsand-shair. Guru Sahib was 10 years of age at the time of his marriage. Two sons were born from this marriage, Ram Rai born in 1646 when Guru Sahib was sixteen years old and Har Krishan born in 1656, when Guru Sahib was twnty six years old.

1665 Baba Gurditta, son of Baba Buddha Ji, laid the foundation stone for a new town of Nanaki Chak, at the site of Makhowal in village Sohota. Guru Sahib spent the rainy seasons at Chak Nanaki.

1757 Diyal Singh and Lehna Singh killed Jahan Khan.

1919 Five Ghadri Babas were hanged to death. They were:

Utam Singh Hans,

Eshwar Singh Chudikae,

Rush Singh Talwandi,

Bir Singh Bahowal, and

Ganga Singh Khuradpur.

==> GHADAR PARTY, a revolutionary group, founded in United States of America (USA) for the independence of India. Its members were Indian residents, primarily Sikhs, settled in USA. Their prime objective was to actively cause rebellion among members of the British forces, thereby forcing the fall of the British empire and hasten their departure from India.

Ghadar Organization and Hindu Leaders

Some revealing insights taken from the book "THE SIKH STRUGGLE - origin, evolution and present phase" by Ram Narayan kumar and George Sieberer

Sikhs in Canada and the USA took lead in organizing Hindustani Workers of Pacific Coast. The organization started bringing out a weekly tabloid called GHADR meaning rebellion in Urdu. The paper became popular and was a catalyst of revolutionary activities. Sikh members of the organization volunteered to return to Punjab to initiate terroist activities with the objective to drive the British out of the country. Control of the paper and the funds of the organization slipped into the hands of Hindus who stayed back. Roughly 1000 Sikhs came back to India. They had been promised arms on their arrival in India. Contacts had been established with the GERMAN government which promised support. But no arms arrived mainly because of the ineptitude and lack of the integrity among the leader of the organization. MONEY PROVIDED BY THE GERMAN GOVERNMENT WENT INTO THE POCKETS OF LEADERS LIKE RAM CHANDRA AND HARAMBA LAL GUPTA. They could not keep their secrets from the British agents. The ship Henry S. loaded with five thousand revolvers was caught by the British navy. Another ship Annie captured by the United State army. In the meanwhile one DR. CHANDRA KANT CHAKRAVARTY, A BENGALI LIVING IN BERLIN, CAME TO THE USA WITH THE POCKETS BULGING WITH MONEY PROVIDED BY THE GERMANS TO THE RUN THE GHADR ORGANIZATION EFFICIENTLY. HE NEVER SPENT A PENNY ON THE ORGANIZATION. THE GERMANS FINALLY DECIDED TO FORGET THE CORRUPT INDIANS.

Ram Chandra was later shot dead by Ram Singh in court. Ram Singh who owned hundereds of acres of land in Canada had sold it all to finance the revolution. Ram Chandra, a Bengali Hindu, had taken the money and used it to enhance his personal financial interests.

1924 6th Shahidi Jatha of 500 Akalis, led by Sant Prem Singh Ji Kokari, courted arrest upon reaching Jaito.

==> WHERE IS JAITO? A village under Nabha, which falls on the Bathinda-Ferozpur railway line. It is 96 miles from Lahore and 17 miles from Bathinda.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JAITO? On this place situated near a fort, is a historical Gurudwara of Guru Gobind Singh Patshah. Maharaja Hira Singh constructed the beautiful buildings of this Gurudwara. The sarowar is popularly known as "Gangsar". About a mile and a half north of Jaito is "Tibhi Sahib" Gurudwara, where Guru Gobind Singh Patshah used to organize and participate in the evening recitation of Rehras. Both Gurudwaras have extensive land sanctioned to it by the Nabha rulers. Additionally, extensive financial resources are made available on an annual basis from the Nabha rulers and the surrounding villages. A maela celebration is held every 7th of Pooh month (Dec.-Jan.) and Katak (Oct.-Nov.) Puranmashi. Jaito's markets are well renowned. People come from far distances to buy and sell their herds.

WHY AKALIS COURTED ARREST? The key issue involved was resoration of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha. Maharaja of Nabha, well-known for his pro-Tat Khalsa Proclivities, had a dispute with Maharaja of Patiala, known for this pro-government role. Although Maharaja of Nabha had absolutely no dispute with the government, as a result of mediation, he was forced to abdicate in July 1923. Col. Michin, with the help of troops and armoured cars, took the Maharaja by surprise on July 8, 1923 and taunted him with the query, "Where is that Akali?" The news of deposition by the government raised a strom of protest against the Government's interefernce in Nabha and was decsribed as a challenge to the Akali movement. As a result tensions mounted. The Akalis, in defiance of state orders, continued to hold diwan indefinitely. The Nabha police in order to arrest all the Akalis, including the one reading the holy Granth Sahib, was said to have disrupted the Akhand Path on Sept. 14, 1923. This dispute took such a tragic shape and got so inflames by Feb. 21, 1924 that several people lost their lives. After sixteen shaheedi jathas apart from one from Bengal and another from Canada, the agitation process was completed two years later, on August 6, 1925, after the concurrent bhog of 101 Akand Paaths.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh

"The Sikhs in History," by Sangat Singh, 1995

1925 Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandak Committee received Legislative sanction. It is for the first time that women were granted right to vote. This event opened the way for all women of India the right to vote.

1984 Mr. Buta Singh announced the Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi's acceptance of conditions for a settlement. These conditions were given in writing by the Singh Sahibans on June 17, 1984. As Indira Gandhi was to visit Darbar Sahib on June 20, Buta Singh made the announcement in a hurriedly called press conference at the residence of Bua Singh, SSP, Amritsar. The Army Generals and Deputy Commissioner, Amritsar were also present. However, immediately after the announcement and return of Buta Singh to Delhi, Indira Gandhi did a volte-face and admonished him for making the announcement.

These are the 14 conditions placed before the Government of India in June 1984 by the Singh Sahibans. Those who signed the document were the head priest of Sri Darbar Sahib; the head priest of Akal Takhat, Giani Kirpal Singh; the head priest of Damdama Sahib, Giani Lakkha Singh; the head priest of Anantpur Sahib, Giani Harcharan SIngh Mahalon; and the head granthi of Akal Takhat, Pritam Singh. The then Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, agreed to all conditions except to the withdrawal of the CRPF (No. 11) and the immediate condoning of the army deserters (No. 9)

1. Army be pulled out forthwith from the Golden Temple and the Akal Takhat.

2. All further operations be handed over to the Sikh Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC).

3. Public be allowed to enter the Golden Temple precincts.

4. The SGPC staff and the gurdwaras be 'released' immediately as this will expedite administration and help restore the confidence of the Sikhs.

5. Immediate release of Sant Longowal and others.

6. Put an end to terrorism in the village of Punjab.

7. The head priests of the Golden Temple be allowed to screen the filming of the Operation Bluestar before it is broadcast over television.

8. Open all gurdwaras in Punjab and release their staff.

9. Sikh solidiers be condoned for 'desertion' after Operation Bluestar.

10. Steps be taken to stop the harassment of Sikhs inside buses and trains.

11. Withdraw the Central Reserve Police Force from Punjab immediately.

12. Proper arragements be made to house huge quantities of wheat stacked inside the Golden Temple langar (kitchen).

13. Sikhs living in Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and other states be protected and steps taken to bring to and their killings immediately.

14. Name of all Sikhs killed and arrested by the Government be published without delay.

-Ref. "Indian Express," June 8, 1995

1984 General Vadiya visits Sri Darbar Sahib, after Operation Bluestar

1994 Foundation stone laid for Nanakana Sahib Foundation was laid down by Hon. Rai Bashir Ahmad Khan Bhatti, Member National Assembly Pakistan and Chairman, Education Standing Committee, Government of Pakistan, at Nanankana Sahib. Mr. Bhatti is the oldest living descendent of Chowdhary Rai Bular Bhatti.

==> NANKANA SAHIB FOUNDATION: established at Nanakana Sahib, the birth place of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Nanakana Sahib Foundation which is about a miles from the Nanakana Sahib, on Vucho Ki Road that goes to Jarhanwali, further leading to Faislabad (Lyallpur). The Nananaka Sahib Estate consists of 16,962 acres. Most of this estate is leased to the farmers and residents of Nanakana Sahib. Almost all the houses of Nanakana Sahib are built on this property. Nanakana Sahib Estate is the property of the Nanakana Sahib Gurdwara (Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji) which cannot be sold to anyone. About 40,000 people live in Nanakana Sahib.

Aims and Objectives of Nanakana Sahib Foundation

The aims and objective of Nanakana Sahib Foundation are to:

* Promote the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, his mission philosophy of fatherhood of One God and brotherhood of mankind and Sri Guru Granth Sahib (the Holy Book of Sikhs).

* Propagate and promote goodwill, friendship peace and harmony irrespective of color, creed, race, and sex amongst different nations as enshrined in the Charter of U. N. O.

* Establish hospitals, dispensaries and undertake such works or projects which are of public interest and are likely to contribute to the welfare (Economic and Social well-being) of the people.

* Promote the teachings of Quran for understanding and tolerance.

* To organize seminars and exhibitions, commercial, cultural and religious festivals and sports matches with the help of local authorities or independently.

* Run this organization as an independent institution and make it financially self-sustaining.

Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony

The foundation stone of the Nanakana Sahib building was laid down by Honorable Rai Bashir Ahmad Khan Bhatti on June 19, 1994. Mr. Bhatti is a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan (Pakistani Parliament) and Chairman of the Education Standing Committee of Government of Pakistan. Mr. Bhatti is the oldest direct descendent of Rai Bular Bhatti, who was a widely respected man, a great philanthropist, and a contemporary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He was the second person, after Bibi Nanaki (sister of Guru Nanak Dev Ji), to recognize that Guru Nanak Dev Ji was a divine soul. Over the last five hundred years, the Bhatti family has donated almost 11,000 acres of its land to the Sikh religious shrines in and around Nanakana Sahib in Pakistan. The 10 acres of land upon which this foundation is being established has also been donated by Chowdhary Rai Sarwar Bhatti, who is a kind, philanthropist, and highly respected person. He is also a direct descendent of Rai Bular Bhatti.

This multi-storey Foundation building is under construction. A garment factory will also be built here and is scheduled to be in operation this year (1995). This foundation is jointly funded and run by the Muslim and Sikh private individuals. It will have all the modern facilities, a library, a guest house, and hospital where free medicine will be provided to the poor. Teams of physicians from USA, UK, Canada and other countries will make periodic visits to Nanakana Sahib, organize medical camps and provide free medical treatment and consultation to the needy.

The entrance of the Foundation building will be a replica of entrance of Gurdwara Janam Asthan, Guru Nanak Dev. This Foundation is situated about one mile outside the Nanakana Sahib Estate (the town of Nanakana Sahib which is the property of Gurdwara Nanakana Sahib).

This Foundation building will be another landmark of Nanakana Sahib.

June 20th

1670 Guru Tegh Bahadhur Ji arrested in Delhi.

1923 Babu Santa Singh arrested at Tapa Railway Station.

1972 20 GurSikhs killed in Gurdwara Sadabarat.

1977 Parkash Singh Badal became the Chief Minister of the Punjab.

1984 Major General R.K. Ghoad, announced 4 officer, and 4 JOC, and 92 soliers killed while 287 injured during the bluestar operation. Later Rajiv Gandhi, while addressing a Congress gathering in Nagpur, announced 700 soliers killed and 2400 Sikhs arrested. The actual count as per eye witnesses in thousands.

1984 Sirdar Harinder Singh Khalsa resigned his position at Indian Embassy, Norway, in protest of Indian Army's attack on Sri Darbar Sahib and sought asylum along with his family.

June 21st

1661 Guru Tegh Bahadhur Ji visited Banaras.

1936 Anup Singh of Manko was murdered.

1984 Panj Payaras successfully pressured the Indian government to open all Gurudwaras (except Sri Harimandir Sahib) for public visits.

June 22nd

1713 Sikhs fought a fierce battle with the ruling forces at Sadhaura. After four months of siege, Banda Bahadhur escaped into the Himalayas.

1984 Panj Payaras excummunicated Baba Sant Singh Ji for co-operating with the Indian government. He was the main Nihang leader of Budha Dal, who cooperated with government in its forced kar Sewa under curfew. This was against the wishes of Sikh Sangats and Sikh Sahibans at that time. Thus the result decision of the Panth.

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

im baccck.

June 23rd

1982 Sikh shops burned in Patiala.

1984 Indira Gandhi, then Prime Minsiter of India, vists Darbar Sahib after operation Bluestar. All Singh Sahibans were present but boycotted this visit. No saroopa was given as a protest and exhibition of Sikh anger.

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

June 24th

1885 Master Tara Singh was born on 24 June, 1885, in Haryal in Rawalpindi district of North Western Province of undivided India. His mother, Moolan Devi, was a pious lady and his father, Bakshi Gopi Chand, was a patwari of the village and was a well known and respected person. Tara Singh's original name was Nanak Chand. In 1902 Nanak Chand embraced Sikhism and came to be called Tara Singh.

Tara Singh had a bright educational career and was a scholarship holder almost at all stages of his education. In 1907 he passed his B. A. examination from Khalsa College, Amritsar. Later Tara Singh joined as headmaster of Khalsa High School, Lyallpur, at an honorarium of Rs. 15 per month. Since then he came to be known as Master Tara Singh. His career as a teacher ended in 1921, following the Nankana tragedy.

He also edited two Akali newspapers, Akali (Udru) and Akali te Pardesi (Grumukhi) in which he forcefully put forward the aims and objectives of the Akali Dal.

He took an active part in national politics till his death on 22 November 1967.

-Ref. "Master Tara Singh, by Verinder Grover, Deep & Deep Publications Delhi, 1995.

1962 Punjabi University established.

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

sorry!

June 25

1700 Sikhs forces defeated the combined forces of Hill chiefs and imperial troops.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji's' forces routed the 10,000 combined forces of Hill chiefs and the imperial troops. It was from the Baisakhiof 1699 that the hill chiefs became thirsty for Guru Gobind Singh's blood and resolved to destroy the Sikh Panth which they considered inimical to varnashram dharam. They resolved to try all venues suggested to them by Kautilya's statecraft: weakening the movement from within; instigating people of other faiths against it; and involving it straight away in an armed struggle with the forces of the state to retard its momentum, if not destroy it. This was the first battel of Anandpur Sahib.

==> GURU GOBIND SINGH'S FIRST BATTLE OF ANANDPUR: The creation of Khalsa was very likely to invite the interference which it was intended to withstand. The conflict, however, that followed immediately upon the institution of the Khalsa arose from the natural enmity of the chief of Kehlur wishing to assert his authority over the Guru. After the creation of the Khalsa, sangats paid visits to the Guru at Anandpur Sahib in large numbers. While some of the disciples left after paying homage to the Guru other stayed on. This was not liked by Ajmer Chand, the then ruler of Kehlur as he thought the increasing strength of the Guru was a threat to his rule. Koer Singh writes that the Sikhs did not get sufficient food for their increasing numbers and received provisions from the neighbouring villages. In collaboration with the local inhabitants, the hill chiefs debarred the Sikhs from any local purchase making a clash inevitable.

Ajmer Chand resolved to thwart the martial concerns of the Guru with the help of his companion hill rulers and also by seeking the support of the Mughal Empire. Sainapat states:

Gobind Singh Anandpur subs basse teh than

Parsat sangat dars jeh pawat naam nidhan

Ketak Sikh bida bhai ketak rake hazoor

As Emperor Aurangzeb had been away to the Deccan, the complaint of the hill chiefs was forwarded to the Emperor along with the signatures of some of the Nazis, muftis and naqashbandis who wrote in reply that the Emperor's army could be sent to the support of the hill rajas only if they could bear its expenses. As the hill rulers gave their consent, a detachment under Dina Beg and Painda Khan, the Panj Hazari, was despatched to subdue Guru Gobind Singh. Ajmer Chand wrote to the ruler of Handur State to lay siege to Anandpur Sahib and fight against the Guru. Sainapat points out:

Raav kehlur hei bhav likha Handur ko

Eh raja tu aan mohe hazur ko

Tu aghe te aav, yea bid kijie

Jo beech gher ke Me Judh inn kije

Ajmer Chand wrote to Guru Gobind Singh to either pay him tribute or quit Anandpur. If the Guru was not prepared to do so he was to ready himself for a clash:

Bhej dio likh ke oeh ne ab chhodo Suruji bhum hamari

ked kachhu dam daya kar deeje, keh judh kargo yea baat bichari

Guru Gobind Singh's plea was that his father Guru Tegh Bahadur had purchased the piece of land at Anandpur Sahib where the Guru was staying at that time, and there was no rational reason to leave it. Sainapat writes:

Raja aav hazur tun jo chai so lei: kai kachchu judh birudh

kar kar so ek na dei.

Raja Ajmer Chand of Kehlur, Bir Singh of Jaswal and Medni Parkash from Sirmur State joined the imperialist force on their way to Anandpur Sahib. Guru Gobind Singh appointed the five beloved ones chosen at Anandpur Sahib on the Baisakhi of 1699 while instituting the Khalsa to the command of the Sikh force. The two armies met on the battlefield of Anandpur Sahib. The Guru himself took his stand in the midst of his forces to impart necessary instructions to his men. Sikhs of the Guru like Mohkam Singh, Daya Singh, Himmat Singh, Sahib Singh, Dharam Singh, Ude Singh and Alam Singh directed their divisions in the battlefield. The imperialists laid siege to Anandpur Sahib on all sides. During the battle, both the armies showed great skill in arms like swords, shields, spears, bows, arrows and guns. Arrows shot from the bows appeared as a shower of rain from the sly. Guru Gobind Singh's soldiers gave such a tough fight to the enemy that it considered negotiations. Sainapat states that the ministers of the hil rajas advised them to give the Sikhs a strong fight and not to run away as it did not become the rajas to flee from the field. Sainapat writes that Sahibzada Ajit Singh showed conspicuous feats of warfare in the battle. The battle continued for some days:

Ketan din eh bhant kar bahavio yudh sangram

During the course of the battle Painda Khan challenged the Guru to a hand to hand combat. The offer was accepted by the Guru. Painda Khan shot two arrows and missed his mark. Guru Gohind Singh's arrow struck the Pathan who fell down to the ground. Gurpartap Suraj Granth records that the Guru with his sword segregated his head from his body. On seeing this, the toops of the hill chiefs took to their heels. Dina Beg also retreated after receiving injuries. The enemy was pursued by the Sikhs upto Khiderabad.

Guru Gobind Singh diverted his attention towards cremating the dead bodies of the Sikhs when the battlefield was vacated by the enemy. There is a local tradition that the cremation took place immediately after the enemy quit the place. While some of the dead bodies were identified others were cremated even without identification. This battle took place in 1700 A.D.

1889 Maharaja Dalip Singh sent message from Geneva to initiate uprising against the British government. 1924 9th Shahidi Jatha of 500 Akalis, led by Sardar Kaesar Singh of Vidang (Amritsar), courted arrest upon reaching Jaito.

==> WHERE IS JAITO? A village under Nabha, which falls on the Bathinda-Ferozpur railway line. It is 96 miles from Lahore and 17 miles from Bathinda.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JAITO? On this place situated near a fort, is a historical Gurudwara of Guru Gobind Singh Patshah. Maharaja Hira Singh constructed the beautiful buildings of this Gurudwara. The sarowar is popularly known as "Gangsar". About a mile and a half north of Jaito is "Tibhi Sahib" Gurudwara, where Guru Gobind Singh Patshah used to organize and participate in the evening recitation of Rehras. Both Gurudwaras have extensive land sanctioned to it by the Nabha rulers. Additionally, extensive financial resources are made available on an annual basis from the Nabha rulers and the surrounding villages. A maela celebration is held every 7th of Pooh month (Dec.-Jan.) and Katak (Oct.-Nov.) Puranmashi. Jaito's markets are well renowned. People come from far distances to buy and sell their herds.

WHY AKALIS COURTED ARREST? The key issue involved was resoration of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha. Maharaja of Nabha, well-known for his pro-Tat Khalsa Proclivities, had a dispute with Maharaja of Patiala, known for this pro-government role. Although Maharaja of Nabha had absolutely no dispute with the government, as a result of mediation, he was forced to abdicate in July 1923. Col. Michin, with the help of troops and armoured cars, took the Maharaja by surprise on July 8, 1923 and taunted him with the query, "Where is that Akali?" The news of deposition by the government raised a strom of protest against the Government's interefernce in Nabha and was decsribed as a challenge to the Akali movement. As a result tensions mounted. The Akalis, in defiance of state orders, continued to hold diwan indefinitely. The Nabha police in order to arrest all the Akalis, including the one reading the holy Granth Sahib, was said to have disrupted the Akhand Path on Sept. 14, 1923. This dispute took such a tragic shape and got so inflames by Feb. 21, 1924 that several people lost their lives. After sixteen shaheedi jathas apart from one from Bengal and another from Canada, the agitation process was completed two years later, on August 6, 1925, after the concurrent bhog of 101 Akand Paaths.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh

"The Sikhs in History," by Sangat Singh, 1995

1944 Simla conference held to decide the future of British India. 1975 Indira Gandhi imposed Internal Emergency on whole India.

Indira Gandhi imposed Internal Emergency (suspension of civil liberties) and all prominent leaders except communist party of India, were arrested. This was a most potent and sustained protest of all democratic rights and liberties. The Akalis won the admiration for their solidarity and for their powers of mobolization and stamina. The moment threw up from among them a clam and determined leader in the person of Sant Harchand Singh Longowal. For more than two years, he ran the civil resistance campaign with the knack of a born leader and won universal applause for his qualities of tact and resolution.

-ref. "1984" by Prof. Harbans Singh, The Sikh review, v. 42:6, No. 486, June 1994.

June 26th

1838 Maharaja Ranjit Singh signed a tri-party agreement with the British and Shujah and British. Under this agreement, Maharaja Ranjit Singh was to give 5000 troops, British to give officers and financial assistance to Shah Shujah against Dost Mohd. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was virtually forced into this treaty by British diplomacy.

1839 Maharaja Ranjit Singh suffered another stroke.

1984 Baba Nihal Singh Hariawalae arrested.

1984 Panj Payaras demanded from the President, Prime Minister, and Governor of Punjab to give control of kar Sewa to SGPC.

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

June 27th

1745 Nawab Zakaria Khan's orders were carried out and Bhai Taru's scalp was removed. On Harbhagat Naranjania's complaint, Bhai Taru Singh of his village was arrested and accused of providing rations to the Sikhs. Bhai Taru Singh admitted the facts. Nawab Zakaria Khan ordered the removal of his scalp. Bhai Taru Singh said that the Governor would suffer as much torture. And Bhai Taru would take Zakaria Khan along with him to the other world.

Upon carrying out Nawab's orders, Zakaria Khan's urinary system stopped functioninh, puttiung him in great pain. The Qazi addressed Bhai Taru Singh Oh Kafir, what have you done? The Nawab can't urinate. He is in great pain. Bhai Taru Singh told him to take his shoe and beat it on Zakaria's head to make him urinate. On the fifth day of shoe beating, Zakaria Khan died on July 1, 1745. on hearing of that the same day Bhai Taru Singh left his mortal remains.

1839 Maharaja Ranjit Singh passed away in Lahore [ACTUAL].

Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the great ruler of Punjab for 40 years, breathed his last at 7 P.M. on this day and thus the most brilliant period of Sikh history came to a close.

In 1799, Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered Lahore. Further the neighboring, including greater punjab, Kashmir, Multan, Kangdha, and Attock were brought under Khalsa Raaj. During his reign everyone, including hindus and muslims lived happily and no one dare set their sights on khalsa Raj. On this day the Khalsa lost a leader who had by his commanding personality, foresight and skill secured the Sikhs, the status of a sovereign people. Thus creating a huge void.

After the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the stability of the Sikh political system took a nose dive. The three major reasons for the same have been, the ever tightening noose of British power and influence round the kingdom of Lahore Darbar, the contending rival parties and the incapacity of the successors. The Government of Panjab degenerated into a chaotic condition. The real power went in the hands of incompetent nominal rulers, ditching the army and the State, to somehow maintain what little power or authority they could hold on.

It has been, a day in and day out, an endless decade of dirtiest intrigues and murders in which the lions' share was usurped by clever British Government and crafly Dogra Gulab Singh, on the dismemberment of the once mighty Sikh State, to whom one was a proclaimed friend and the other a privileged servant.

1940 S.G.M. Beaty was shot dead by the Babbar Akalis of Malwa at Chatha Sekhwan.

1972 Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Yogi ordains the first women ever established as ministers of the Sikh Dharma.

1084 Deputy Commissioner Amritsar, criticised the false rumours - naked girls, heroin, drugs, alcohol, tobacco found in Darbar Sahib.

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

June 28th

1984 Ujagar Singh, acting President, Akali Dal and Atma Singh, acting President SGPC were arrested from their temporary offices in Sri Guru Ram Das hospital. These arrests were conducted to sabotage the Akali Dal meeting announced for Jun. 29, 1984.

1996 Kamaljit Singh Sandhu's body found in a canal. He was one of the seven convicts in the hijacking of an Indian Airlines Boeing on August 23, 1984.

The body of Kamaljit Singh Sandhu, one of the seven convicts in the hijacking of an Indian Airlines Boeing on August 23, 1984 to protest against Operation Bluestar was found floating in a canal near Hindumalkot of Sriganaganagar, at the Punjab Border on Saturday last.

Kamaljit Singh Sandhu, along with six others convicted in the same case was lodged in Ajmer jail and was released on a two month parole on May 26. Since then he has been staying in his village Kailash, just 3 kms from the Rajastan border. He was last seen along the Sirhind Feeder canal. When he did not return home, his parents started a search. It was then that they came to know that the body of a young man, was found in the Gang canal near village Icbadi.

Sandhu, 30, was said not have been in a proper mental frame. At the Ajmer jail he was undergoing treatment for mental imbalances. Sandhu, a student of Govt. College Chanadigarh back in 1984 had masterminded the hijacking of an IA Boeing on its Delhi-Chandigarh-Srinagar flight and forced the crew to divert it to Dubai. All the hijackers eventually surrendered before the Dubai police and were brought to India. Their trial took place in Ajmer and they served their sentence in Ajmer jail. From here Sandhu was released on parole till July 25, after 12 yrs of imprisonment.

Sandhu, son of retired school headmaster Gurdial Singh Sandhu, had been complaining of constant headache and cold sensation when he was brought to India. On application of his mother, Mrs Kulwant Kaur, he was examined by a board of doctors at PGU, Chandigarh. Before the hijacking, Sandhu who was an AISSF activist had been arrested on 14 April 1984 for his involvement in a case of arson and violence. Sandhus body was cremated on 28 June 1996 at his village Kailash, about 22 kms from Ferozepur.

[AkalPurakhDiFauj]

June 29th

1924 7th and 8th Sahidhi Jathas of 500 Akali Satyagrahies each, under the leadership of Karmveer Sardar Prtap Singh of Kuradpur (Jallandar) and Sardar Man Singh Hunboo (Shakhupuraa) respectively, courted arrests upon reaching Jaito.

==> WHERE IS JAITO? A village under Nabha, which falls on the Bathinda-Ferozpur railway line. It is 96 miles from Lahore and 17 miles from Bathinda.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JAITO? On this place situated near a fort, is a historical Gurudwara of Guru Gobind Singh Patshah. Maharaja Hira Singh constructed the beautiful buildings of this Gurudwara. The sarowar is popularly known as Gangsar. About a mile and a half north of Jaito is Tibhi Sahib Gurudwara, where Guru Gobind Singh Patshah used to organize and participate in the evening recitation of Rehras. Both Gurudwaras have extensive land sanctioned to it by the Nabha rulers. Additionally, extensive financial resources are made available on an annual basis from the Nabha rulers and the surrounding villages. A maela celebration is held every 7th of Pooh month (Dec.-Jan.) and Katak (Oct.-Nov.) Puranmashi. Jaito's markets are well renowned. People come from far distances to buy and sell their herds.

WHY AKALIS COURTED ARREST? The key issue involved was resoration of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha. Maharaja of Nabha, well-known for his pro-Tat Khalsa Proclivities, had a dispute with Maharaja of Patiala, known for this pro-government role. Although Maharaja of Nabha had absolutely no dispute with the government, as a result of mediation, he was forced to abdicate in July 1923. Col. Michin, with the help of troops and armoured cars, took the Maharaja by surprise on July 8, 1923 and taunted him with the query, Where is that Akali? The news of deposition by the government raised a strom of protest against the Government's interefernce in Nabha and was decsribed as a challenge to the Akali movement. As a result tensions mounted. The Akalis, in defiance of state orders, continued to hold diwan indefinitely. The Nabha police in order to arrest all the Akalis, including the one reading the holy Granth Sahib, was said to have disrupted the Akhand Path on Sept. 14, 1923. This dispute took such a tragic shape and got so inflames by Feb. 21, 1924 that several people lost their lives. After sixteen shaheedi jathas apart from one from Bengal and another from Canada, the agitation process was completed two years later, on August 6, 1925, after the concurrent bhog of 101 Akand Paaths.

-Ref. Mahan Kosh

The Sikhs in History, by Sangat Singh, 1995

1984 First meeting of Akali Dal in Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, after Operation Bluestar. This meeting strongly condemned the attack and its resulting destruction, innocents killed.

1984 K.P.S. Gill became the new Director General of Police in Punjab. Under Gill a fresh reign of terror was unleashed in Punjab. Numerous innocent families were destroyed; youth subjected to extra-judicial killings, women raped. Even the very young and old weren't spared.