Search the Community

Chandigarh – As per the directions of Jathedar Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, Five Singhs under the leadership of Bhai Satnam Singh Khandewala, held a meeting with representatives of various jathebandis at Gurdwara Sahib (Shahpur) in Sector 38B, Chandigarh, on October 18 to plan for the proposed Sarbat Khalsa at Talwandi Sabo on November 10. Prominent Jathebandis which took part included the Akhand Kirtani Jatha, HSGPC, Dal Khalsa, Shiromani Akali Dal 1920, Singh Sabhas, Gurdwara Parmeshar Dwar, Panthik Talmel Sangathan, Akali Dal Delhi, United Sikhs, Missionary colleges and seva societies. Several Sikh scholars and panthic leaders, including Giani Kewal Singh and Balwant Singh Nandgarh, both former jathedars of Takht Damdama Sahib; Bibi Jagdish Kaur, 1984 victim, Paramjit Singh Sarna, former president of former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, and Sukhdev Singh Bhaur, SGPC, General secretary, also took part in this meeting. More...

Can anyone tell me how the Badal government took over the Akal Takht and sent massands to take it over especially since the last Jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh was the one who was there before Badal? Also how'd the Massands stay in power so long without anyone stopping them until recently with the Sarbat Khalsa? (I know it's changed since Jagtar Singh Hawara became the official Jathedar.)

Translation of Letter by Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara Vaaheguroo Jee Kaa Khalsa! Vaaheguroo Jee Kee Fateh! As the Sangat is aware, Bhai Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa has undertaken an indefinite hunger strike since November 14 at Gurduara Amb Sahib, Mohali for the release of those Sikh youth who remain unjustly imprisoned. Five Singhs; Bhai Lal Singh Akaalgarh (Nabha Jail), Bhai Shamsher Singh, Bhai Lakhwinder Singh, Bhai Gurmeet Singh (all in Bural Jail), and Bhai Gurdeep Singh Khaira (Karnatka Jail) all remain behind bars even though they have completed their sentences pronounced by the courts. Despite being on hunger strike for the past two weeks, neither the government nor the Hindi media has acknowledged Bhai Sahibs protest or demands. While various Punjabi and Panthic media outlets have covered the story, the government has not even taken notice. On one hand, long grandiose speeches are made that India is a peace-loving country. Those who feel forced to resort to armed struggle in order to defend their rights are encouraged to engage in non-violent struggle instead. On the other hand however, it has been proven time and time again that those engaging in non-violent resistance will be consistently ignored. Bhai Gurbaksh Singhs case is yet further evidence of this. Are the government and mainstream media not endorsing the belief that the only way to send a message through to the deaf ears of the state is through armed struggle? It is undeniable that if instead of a hunger strike Bhai Gurbaksh Singh had set off an explosion, the government, the media, and other Brahmanical forces would have been crying themselves hoarse until now. Now, when one Singh of the Guru has remained hungry for the past two weeks to have his just demands heard, what message is the conspiratorial silence of these institutions sending? This intentional silence, this state-sponsored message should be clearly understood that We dont care about non-violent protest and hunger strikes, we only hear the sound of bullets and explosions. Sending this message, how can they then hope for peace? Whatever happens Khalsa Jee, the Sikh Nation should not remain silent. In each and every village and city, a movement to support Bhai Gurbaksh Singhs struggle should be organized. What motive does the government have behind not releasing those Singhs who have already spent more time in prison than they were sentenced to? Our brother has taken a great step in our national struggle, and it is our responsibility to organize and mobilize a strong movement until the demands of Bhai Gurbaksh Singh are met. All Panthic jathebandis must unite and come up with a course of action to secure the release of those Singhs who have already completed their sentences. Rallies and protest marches should be organized everywhere so that this deaf government can hear our voice and it can be carried around the world. If the state continues to ignore our demands, then we will come up with the next phase of action. Servant of the Guru-Panth, Jagtar Singh Hawara Jail No. 4 Tihar Jail, New Delhi