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Finally The Truth About Sant Bhindranwale, Open Your Eyes And Read It


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Giani Zail Singh and Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale an Overview

Much has been written about Giani Zail Singh’s role in bringing Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale on the centre-stage of Sikh politics. Consequently, people have come to believe that Bhindarwale was propped up by Giani Zail Singh to beat the Akalis in the politics of one-upmanship.

Political analysts aver that Bhindrawale proved a Frankstein for the Congress for whose benefit he was allegedly brought to the fore by the Giani. His emergence on the map of Punjab, his flight with Akalis, his taking part in SGPC elections, his open support to Congress in Parliament and State elections in 1980, his free movement with gun carrying followers in the whole of India, his safe escape from Chando Kalan in Haryana in 1981, his release after interrogation on the charges of murder of Lala Jagat Narain, the founder of Hind Samachar group of newspapers, his entry in Golden Temple Complex and many other such events are interpreted as political maneuverings of Giani Zail Singh. Above all, some quarters charge the Giani of having intimated Sant Bhindrawale the Government plan to send army into the holy precincts.

Both Giani Zail Singh and Sant Bhindrawale are no more who can give answers to charges made out against them. Mark Tully and Satish Jacob in their book, ‘Amritsar : Mrs. Gandhi’s Last Battle’, mention all the above charges. I wrote to Mark Tully asking him to prove any of the above facts. In reply, he sent me a photograph of Giani Zail Singh with Bhindrawale sitting side by side. I wrote to him that this was taken in a memorial congregation held in Delhi soon after the assassination of Jathedar Santokh Singh in 1981, which was attended by both.

I am taking liberty to lay-bare some hard facts so that this myth about Zail Singh – Bhindrawale can be examined without any malice. Bhindranwale belonged to a seminary tracing its origin from the times of Guru Gobind Singh. Since long, their followers engaged in instruction of Sikh missionaries since the time of Baba Deep Singh, the legendary martyr who fell fighting in the defence of holy Harmindar Sahib.

Sant Jarnail Singh succeeded Sant Karar Singh, a dynamic Sikh preacher who had led one of the factions of this seminary popularly called Damdami Taksal. Sant Jarnail Singh was quite young when he succeeded Sant Kartar Singh. He had both zeal and enthusiasm along with dedication to prove equal to the task. He soon became popular among the Sikhs as a competent exponent of the Sikh scriptures. He was always on the move having his headquarter at Mehta Chowk in District Amritsar. The vehicle in which he travelled was usually full of students of the Taksal. I attended many congregations addressed by Sant Ji at Gurdwara Dukhniwaran Patiala. A tall handsome person having great fluency in Punjabi soon proved a hit with devotees. From the very beginning he carried a revolver on his person alongwith a small Kirpan and an arrow in his hand. This peculiarity endeared him to the youth. As the head of a historical missionary order with youthful dynamism, Sant Jarnail Singh, soon become popular with the Sikh multitude. In huge congregations that gathered to listen to him, he used to preach austere living, simple marriages, abstinence from all types of intoxicants and strict observance of the Code of Conduct of the Khalsa.

It was a matter of coincidence that at the time he appeared on the scene, the Akali Party came back into power in 1977 with Sarkar Prakash Singh Badal as Chief Minister. Akalis were in coalition with Jana Sangh and Janata Dal. Even Shri Romesh Chander, Editor of Hind Samachar was an MLA supporting the Government. Sant Jarnail Singh did not like this opportunistic alliance. He was dead against all those elements who had opposed Punjabi with Gurmukhi script and the formation of Punjabi Suba. He maintained no contact with the Akali leadership as a whole. Only Gurcharan Singh Tohra, the then President of the SGPC had established his contacts with him and was aware of the developments in the Taksal.

It was on 6th April, 1978 that the formation of a new party called Dal Khalsa was announced in a meeting held in the Aroma Hotel at Chandigarh. It is necessary to recall here that Dal Khalsa was the name of the voluntary fighting force that led the Khalsa to become a sovereign power in the Punjab by the end of the eighteenth century. This development was the brain child of a Punjab University employee who put forth the idea of Khalistan. Incidentally, when this press meet was being held, Giani Zail Singh was also present in the same Hotel to attend some other function. It is alleged that he paid the bill for this press conference of Dal Khalsa. Harsimran Singh, who headed this new outfit, was then working with Professor Vishwa Nath Tewari, who at that time was the head of Bhai Vir Singh Chair of the Punjab University. Prof. Tewari was staunch Congressman and this fact lent a new dimension to this development. Anyway, Dal Khalsa emerged as an independent group of young educated Sikhs.

It is, perhaps, a coincidence that the only a week after Dal Khalsa was launched, a tragic event shook the entire State. On 19th April, 1978, the Sant Nirankari Mandal (an aberrant sect of the Sikhs) organized a big Samagam in an open ground at Amritsar. Sikh Groups had since long been condemning the Nirankaris for their wrongful use of Sikh terminology and some unsavoury remarks in their religious book ‘Avtar Bani’. Baba Gurbachan Singh was the head of the sect. Akhand Kirtani Jatha followers of Bhai Randhir Singh, a devout Sikh group opposed the holding of the Nirankari meet at Amritsar. While this congregation of the Nirankaris was in progress, a few Akhand Kirtani Jatha members led by one Fauja Singh marched to the place after they made known their intention in a congregation in Manji Sahib Dewan hall within the Golden Temple Complex. The Nirankaris on their part seemed to have been well prepared to face any eventuality. They attacked these unarmed peaceful demonstrators as soon as they reached near their Pandal. Eighteen persons were killed. Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale was present in the Manji Sahib congregation when Akhand Kirtani Jatha had decided to send a Jatha against the Nirankaris. After the tragedy, he appeared at the centre-stage and with his typical style; put the Akali-Janata Coalition government on the defensive for allowing this Samagam in the holy city. Prakash Singh Badal was at that time in Bombay. As soon as he learnt about this, he rushed back. He allowed safe exit to Baba Gurbachan Singh from the Punjab territory, which was highly resented by the Sikhs. Sant Bhindranwale described the Nirankaris as Narkdharis and took a vow to avenge the killings. (Baba Gurbachan Singh was later shot dead in his own house in Delhi in April 1981, and Bhai Ranjit Singh who was subsequently appointed as Jathedar of Akal Takht by the SGPC was named as the main accused). Meanwhile, Bhai Amrik Singh a close of aide of Bhindranwale and son of Sant Kartar Singh, the former head of Damdami Taksal, was elected as President of All India Sikh Students Federation. These three happenings, founding of Dal Khalsa, killing of the devout Sikhs at Amritsar and election of Amrik Singh as head of AISSF, paved the way for Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale to emerge in a new role. Any student of history can make his/her own assessment of the rise of Bhindranwale. But I hold the opinion that it was an accident of history.

Bhindranwale toured all over the Punjab and went on accusing the Punjab Government for having soft corner for the Nirankaris. He wanted the arrest of Baba Gurbachan Singh as the main accused for brutal killings of innocent devout Sikhs who were supposed to be marching towards the Nirankari Samagam to protest against its being held at Amritsar. The Punjab Government at that time did not take any step to satisfy or pacify the injured feelings of the Sikhs. This provided a golden opportunity to Bhindranwale for entry into Sikh political arena. He openly started propagating that there are forces within the Central as well as State Government that are out to harm the Sikhs.

There was a bye-election of Baba Bakala seat of the SGPC in 1978 and the Akalis put up Jathedar Jiwan Singh Umra Nangal who was a Minister in the Government. Bhindranwale, immediately announced the candidature of Bhai Amrik Singh. This became a scene of Bhindranwale Vs. the Akalis. The Congress which was then out of power got a chance to enthuse their workers and decided to support Bhindranwale’s candidate. But the emergency stigma was so severe that they could not muster any support. Moreover, the combined pressure of Punjab Ministers and SGPC managed victory for Jathedar Jiwan Singh Umra-Nangal, a maverick of Akali politics.

During the General Election of SGPC in 1979, Congress party decided to embarrass the Akali – Janata Government by entering into the election arena by proxy knowing fully well that even a powerful and crafty person like Sardar Partap Singh Kairon had failed in this game. Sanjay Gandhi was advised by his advisors, especially by his friend Vishwajit Singh to take advantage of Bhindrawales rift with Akalis in order to destabilize the Akali government. A meeting was called and services of S. Gurbir Singh, son the late Justice Gurnam Singh, were commissioned. Vishwajit and Gurbir Singh (Baku) were provided monetary support and they remained active. They had meetings with Bhai Amrik Singh and promised him full support. Bhindranwale was keen to oppose the Akalis and he put up a number of candidates. Sanjay Gandhi gave instructions to all Congress leaders especially Giani Zail Singh, S. Darbara Singh and Dr. Gurdial Singh Dhillon to help the Bhindranwale group. Despite all this, Akalis won the elections hands down and only six candidates put up by Bhindrawale could be elected to the SGPC.

Emergency was lifted in 1979 and Parliamentary elections were called in the month of December. R. L. Bhatia, the Congress candidate from Amritsar got support of Bhindranwale Group, as they were opposed to the Akali Party. As I understand, bitterness between Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and the Akalis was a major cause of the Bhindranwale Group opposing Akalis at that time. The Akalis were supporting another group of Damdami Taksal headed by Giani Mohan Singh.

The Congress won the Parliamentary elections and Indira Gandhi returned as Prime Minister, in January 1980. Giani Zail Singh joined the Central Cabinet as Home Minister. He always supported the policy of conciliation. He managed and helped Ch. Bhajan Lal, Janta Dal, Chief Minister, Haryana, to join the Congress Party. In Punjab, he advocated some partnership agreement between the Akalis and the Congress, but he did not meet with success there. The Punjab Ministry was dismissed and in the fresh elections Congress Party won with a big margin. Darbara Singh, a President of the Punjab Congress in yesteryears, was installed as Chief Minister of the State. He was deadly opposed to the Giani. He did not believe in the Giani brand of politics of conciliation. In April 1980, Baba Gurbachan Singh, Nirankari Chief was shot dead at his home in Delhi. At once, the press linked Bhindranwale’s name with his murder. On the basis of investigation reports supplied by the State and Central agencies, Giani Zail Singh informed the Parliament that Bhindranwale was not involved in the murder of the Nirankari Chief. This was treated as Giani’s soft peddling towards Bhindranwale.

I need not give details of all events of the years 1980 & 1981 and Bhindranwale’s ascendance to the political horizon of the Punjab. From a religious preacher he became a social crusader and a political ideologue. Media gave Sant Jarnaiil Singh special attention. He was frequently interviewed by the press correspondents and photographers. Killing of Lala Jagat Narian, on September 9, 1981, was a turning point in Punjab crisis. Sant Bhindranwale’s name was linked with his murder. His arrest from his headquarters became an extra-ordinary event. People gathered there in large numbers to show their indulgence and eleven people were killed by the police firing at Chowk Mehta. After some time he had to be released by Punjab Police for lack of evidence. The Giani had no role to play in his whole affair. Earlier when the Punjab Police went to arrest him at Chando Kalan (Haryana), he escaped. Even then some people accused Giani Zail Singh of having leaked the information regarding the raid. Rumours which became afloat. Blamed Giani Zail Singh for making a hero of Sant Jarnail Singh, ignoring the fact that Punjab Police under directions of the Government carried out the operation. In the process, the Sant won sympathizers and admirers in Services and Police.

Jathedar Santokh Singh was shot dead on 21st December, 1981. He was a great friend of Bhindranwale and was close to Indira Gandhi. Bhindranwale came to Delhi to attend the Bhog ceremony of Jathedar Santokh Singh, which took place in G.K. 1 at his residence. Giani Zail Singh attended the function to mourn the death of the Delhi Sikh leader. I accompanied him. Sant Bhindranwale was sitting in front row. The Giani was also seated there. Not a word was exchanged between them. Soon after the Bhog the Giani left. Photographs of them both sitting together were published in the newspapers. On the way back, the Giani told me that he had seen Bhindranwale for the first time. I particularly asked him “everyone believes that you have promoted him in politics and how come you did not see him earlier?” He told me that it was all a canard spread by Darbara Singh in order to malign him in the eyes of the Congress High Command. He said, in 1978 there could have been a chance meeting when both were invited to a function at Baba Bakala. At that time, Giani Zail Singh left after his speech and Bhindranwale had not reached in time. But he said on his own that he sincerely desired Bhindranwale to confine himself to religious and social spheres. He admitted that the Sant had a large following among Sikhs and his influence and energy could be utilized for the good of the State. He felt sad at the assassination of Jathedar Santokh Singh and described it as a big set-back because the latter could influence Sant Jarnail Singh. He failed to name any other person who could be entrusted with this task. He was sure, Darbara Singh could spoil the political atmosphere and Punjab would suffer a lot.

Sant Bhindranwale stayed in Delhi for some time and later went to Bombay. A horde of his followers were with him. A question is often asked why was he allowed to move freely. Giani Zail Singh would say that there was no case against him and also no ban on his movements. All the guns his followers carried were licensed and if there was any violation of law, the State Governments had full authority to take action.

Giani Zail Singh became President of India on 26th July, 1982. He was strictly advised by Indira Gandhi to keep himself aloof from the Punjab and the Sikh affairs. What happened after that period is well known. Giani Zail Singh had no role to play at any point of time. He was kept in the dark by all official agencies. He mentioned this fact to every leader from Punjab who came to see him. In fact he was a victim of a vilification campaign let loose against him by his detractors and political opponents. They convinced the media that Bhindranwale was his creation. The Sikhs at large were most unhappy that with a Sikh at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Army destroyed the Akal Takhat.

It is a pity that both the Giani and Bhindranwale were maligned with ulterior motives. I am not analyzing the role of Bhindranwale during the curcial period of 1983-1984 and the circumstances, which led to the sad attack on the Golden Temple by the Indian Army and the ultimate end of Sant Bhindranwale.

By Tarlochan Singh MP

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not sure all the above are fact, but would like to add 2 things.

1. even before in 1969, the akalis had supported Sant Chanan Singh over Sant Kartar Singh as the head of the jatha, even though Sant Gurbachan Singh had clearly stated Sant Kartar SIngh was to be the head 3 times. This created ill-feelings as the akalis were seen to be meddling in Taksal and helping with mischief.

2. Zail Singh and darbara were bitter political rivals. indira knew this and even though zail was younger and lower in office/congress status than darbara, she promoted him to president, over darbara. This was very much resented, and in darbara's mind, all the problems of panjab were the creation of zailas in order to discredit darbaras govt. darbara was very hard on the sikhs, and he was the responsible for starting false encounter killings, because he thought these were zailas antics to bring down his govt. All the rumours between Sant Ji and Zaila were the creation of darbara and his supporters, who wanted him removed. You know what politicians are like to save thier seats, they can do anything.

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