|
Introduction
 Baba
Gurbachan Singh was the last major Sikh Resistance leader to
fall. The Indian Govenrment had put a RS 25 lakh reward on his
head and was searching the entire Tarn Taran area for him,
conducting 45 raids at one time to trap him. Baba jee escaped
each time and continued to be a painful thorn in India’s side.
When all the other Singhs had been martyred and the entire
Indian Security Force was on his trail, he refused the order
to go and hide in Pakistan and spit on the offer to surrender.
He simply could not be caught. Even in the end, he was
martyred not by police bullets, but by the betrayal of those
he considered his own. Baba jee was a Sant Sipahi and a
farsighted General. In honor of Baba jee’s 12th Shahidi
anniversary falling on February 28, I will be posting the
story of this Sikh hero as well as stories about his time in
the struggle.
Birth
Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal was born on June 6, 1954 at village Manochhal in
Amritsar district. His parents were Bapoo Atma Singh and Mata
Gurmej Kaur. His parents were simple farmers but their family
had a heritage of struggle against injustice. Bapoo Atma
Singh’s uncle had become shahid in the Jaito Morcha, marching
against the British Raj.
Baba Gurbachan Singh was from childhood a very strong and
muscular boy. He enjoyed wrestling and other sports. The
family moved from village Manochahal to Nausherae
Panooaa(n) when Baba jee was still
young because his mother’s brothers had left for Singapore and
left behind a large farm that had to be maintained.
Becoming a Baba
Baba jee was in the tenth grade when once he saw a boy
inappropriately teasing and harassing a group of girls. Baba
jee grabbed the troublemaker and beat him badly. The teacher
found out and in front of the entire class asked the young
Gurbachan Singh to explain why he had beaten the other boy.
Baba jee explained, “Sir, he was harassing the bibis and after
all, all women should be like our sisters. So, I couldn’t help
myself and I did what I had to.”
The entire class began to laugh at Gurbachan Singh’s use of
the word “bibis” for the schoolgirls. The teacher laughed and
said, “I see! These girls are “bibis” and you would be the
“Baba jee. All students! From now on, everyone will call
Gurbachan Singh, Baba jee!”
After that day, the nickname “Baba” stuck and everyone began
to call him Baba Gurbachan Singh. In the entire area, people
began to know him as “Baba jee”.
Days
in the Army
Baba Gurbachan Singh completed his education and at his
father’s wishes, decided to join the army. Baba jee was 6”1
and over 200 pounds. The army happily enlisted him as an “A
level” recruit.
Even in the army, the name “Baba” Gurbachan Singh stuck. He
was known for doing paath and being a devoted Sikh, even
though he was not yet amritdhari. Every day he dedicatedly did
his nitnem. One day, as Baba jee was doing nitnem, he fell
into deep samadhi (meditation). The time for the daily
military parade came and went and Baba jee had no awareness of
it. The officer in charge of the parade demanded to know where
Baba Gurbachan Singh was. The other soldier tried to explain
that he was meditating but the Hindu Officer had a bias
against Sikhs and refused to understand.
The officer went to Baba jee and shook him into awareness.
Baba jee apologized for missing the parade and explained he
was reciting Gurbani. The officer responded by making fun of
the Sikh faith and insulting the Gurus. Baba jee’s anger
couldn’t be controlled and he tackled the officer. His fists
flew and the officer shrieked for someone to help him. The
other Sikh soldiers watching did nothing as they knew how much
the officer hated Sikhs. The beating continued for some time
when finally other officers came and stopped Baba jee. Baba
jee had broken the Hindu officer’s arm and his nose.
Baba Gurbachan Singh was arrested and court marshaled. After a
year of prison, Baba jee left the army and returned home with
a desire to dedicate his life to Sikhi.
Meeting Sant Kartar Singh Bhindranwale
Although Baba Gurbachan Singh did nitnem and
had a love for Sikhi, he was still not amritdhari. Baba jee
always attended programs by various Sants and one day he found
out that Sant Kartar Singh Bhindranvale would be coming to his
village for a program. Baba jee was very moved by the katha
and wanted to speak with Sant Kartar Singh. Sant ji encouraged
him to become amritdhari and so Baba jee did so within just a
few days. After receiving the gift of amrit, Baba Gurbachan
Singh decided to travel with Jatha
Bhindra(n). He became very close to Sant Kartar Singh
and also learned Gurbani Santhiya and Katha. Baba jee had
memorized many banis and had a very long daily nitnem which he
began very early at amrit vela. After the passing of Sant
Kartar Singh, Sant Jarnail Singh became the next jathedar of
the Jatha and Baba jee was also very close to him.
1978
and After
In the 1970s, the Indian government sponsored Nirankari cult
began to come to the forefront and publicly derided the Sikh
faith and insulted the Sikh Gurus. The cult chief, Gurbachana
was known to have said insulting thinks like “Guru Gobind
Singh made the punj pyaray, I’ll
make the sat sitaray”. He also insulted Guru Granth Sahib.
On
April 13, 1978, the Nirankaris had a march through
Amritsar in which slogans against the Sikh religion were
shouted. Singhs from the Akhand Kirtani Jatha and Jatha
Bhindra(n) marched peacefully
against the Nirankaris but were brutally attacked. 13 Singhs
were martyred and many more were injured. Baba Gurbachan Singh
had also taken part in this march and was shot in the arm.
When the Nirankaris continued with their insulting parchaar
and were protected by the Indian Government, the Singhs began
to punish the Nirankaris themselves and Baba Gurbachan Singh
also wanted to join this movement. When he asked Sant Jarnail
Singh for permission, Sant ji kept saying that Guru Sahib was
to take a very big seva from him yet. Sant Jarnail Singh asked
Baba Gurbachan Singh to return to his
village
of Naushera Panooaa(n)
and direct the building of Gurdwara Baba Dhanna Singh Kaviraj
there. Baba jee accepted this hukam and returned to his
village, but visited Sant ji regularly even after.
Sant
Jarnail Singh Bhindranvale & Baba Ji
Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal’s relationship with Sant
Jarnail Singh was very close. Once, someone in Naushera
Panooaa(n) made the accusation that
Baba Gurbachan Singh didn’t even know Sant Jarnail Singh and
was using his name for his own purposes. Baba Jee gathered the
Sangat and traveled to
Amritsar
to disprove this allegation. Baba jee and the Sangat went to
the roof of Guru Ram Das Langar and when Baba jee told Sant
Jarnail Singh about what had been said, Sant jee replied,
“Gurbachan Singh is so near to me that he can cut off my head
and take it away if he wants…”
When in 1982, Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranvale had gone to
Bombay,
the Indian Government thought it was the perfect time to
capture him. The police surrounded the area and when Sant jee
received word of this he thought of a clever ruse. Baba
Gurbachan Singh, who had been traveling with the Jatha, was
about the same height as Sant jee and wore the same style of
clothes. He covered his face and lay down in Sant jee’s bed so
those watching would be fooled. Until Sant jee had made his
escape, Baba Gurbachan Singh continued to lie in bed and when
he finally got up, the government agents were shocked and
disappointed that their opportunity to arrest Sant jee had
passed.
Later when Baba Gurbachan Singh would volunteer for different
missions to punish the enemies of the Panth like Bhajan Lal
and various police officers, Sant Jarnail Singh would always
say, “these are all small jobs for you. I am going to take a
very big seva from you eventually…”
The Gurdwara in Naushera Panooa(n)
where Baba jee did seva was regulary visited by Singhs serving
in the Movement.
1984
As the days of the attack seemed to be drawing
nearer, Sant Jarnail Singh
Bhindranvale sent a message to Baba Gurbachan Singh for him to
come meet him at Sree Darbar Sahib. Baba Gurbachan Singh was
waiting for the opportunity. Sant jee met Baba jee very warmly
and told him that an attack on Sree Darbar Sahib was imminent.
Baba jee requested that finally this time his seva should be
accepted and he would join Singhs in defending the Complex and
become Shaheed. But Sant jee knew that this Singh would one
day be a General that would shake all of
India. Sant jee said that not all the Singhs should be Shaheed
in the attack. That after the attack the struggle must
continue and it would no longer be a struggle for greater
water rights or concessions from the Center, it would only be
for independence. For Khalsa Raj. Baba Jee vowed to give his
all in the fight for the Panth and for sovereignty. Sant
Jarnail Singh gave Baba Gurbachan Singh a siropa and lovingly
ordered him to return to his village and not return until
summoned. Baba jee knew this would be their final meeting.
The attack took place and the Singhs defending Darbar Sahib
became Shaheed after wreaking havoc on the Indian Army. Baba
Gurbachan Singh knew that the “big seva” Sant jee had spoken
of was now at hand.
The Struggle Begins
Even before the 1984 attack, Baba Gurbachan Singh was a wanted
man. The security forces knew he was close to Sant Jarnail
Singh Bhindranvale and committed to the Sikh nation. As early
as 1980 the police had once surrounded Gurdwara Baba Dhanna
Singh in Naushera Panooaa(n) where Baba jee was doing seva and
ordered Baba jee to surrender. Baba jee told the police party
that he would change his clothes first. He went inside his
room and came out with a big kirpaan. Taking it out of its
sheath, Baba jee bellowed, “Whoever has got the courage can
come and arrest me…” The police party was terrified and no one
approached. By this time the village Sangat had also assempled
and the Police were forced to return to their stations
empty-handed.
In 1981 Baba jee had begun to carry a revolver and knew that
the Sikh struggle would have to resort to arms.
June
1984 & After
Baba jee’s heart was breaking when news of the attack on
Darbar Sahib arrived. He was wishing that he too could join
his fellow Singhs in defence but he was bound by Sant Jarnail
Singh jee’s orders. He knew Sant jee wanted him to organize
the Sikh Freedom movement after the attack.
When villagers began to march towards Sree Darbar Sahib Baba
jee understood their pain, but knew this would be fruitless.
Thousands of Sikhs had risen up from the villages and had been
mowed down by the army. Baba jee sent messages everywhere that
marching on
Amritsar
without any weapons was useless. They should wait for weapons
and then together, with a set strategy, they would fight the
government. In this way Baba Gurbachan Singh saved many lives
and laid the foundation for the future movement.
No
Compromise
After the attack, those Singhs who were close to Sant Jarnail
Singh and were ready to take on the government began to have
secret meetings. Reporter Dalbir Singh was a well-educated
journalist who knew Sant Jarnail Singh very well. He gathered
with the remaining Singhs like Manbeer Singh ChaheRu (General,
Khalistan Commando Force) and others and told them that a
fight for Khalistan would not be useful. He said that there
were not enough Singhs to fight and the Indian government had
a security force that could not be defeated so easily. The
other Singhs began to discuss with Dalbir Singh about what
could be done. When Baba Manochahal was asked for his opinion,
he said plainly, “Bhaji, the government and its agents have
oppressed the Sikhs. They’ve dishonored our mothers and
sisters. We are going to take justice for that. Regarding all
these political issues you’re talking about, you can deal with
them as you see fit.” There was no discussion left. Baba jee
was determined to keep his promise of fighting for Sikh
freedom.
Early
Battles
Through 1985, Baba Gurbachan Singh began to organize the
Singhs to fight against Indian oppression. He made speeches
and created popular support for an armed movement.
The police were on Baba jee’s trail and once even managed to
capture him. The CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) had
sideswiped Baba jee’s motorcycle one night and then after
tying him, threw him in their jeep. Baba jee managed to untie
himself and after pushing his captors, jumped from the moving
jeep. He ran through the fields and managed to escape.
 This was just the beginning. Baba jee’s true
life as an outlaw would begin after a battle in his own home
village Manochahal. Baba jee had gone to meet his family and
was to spend the night in a small hut in the fields when
someone informed the police. Baba jee and his brother Bhai
Mohinder Singh were asleep when the police party surrounded
the hut. The head of the police party knocked on the door and
shouted for Baba Manochahal to surrender. Baba Manochahal knew
that the situation was dire and decided to buy some time. He
demanded that the village head (sarpanch) be summoned and only
then would he come out.
The police brought the sarpanch and when the sarpanch went to
speak with Baba Gurbachan Singh, he tried to explain that the
hut was completely surrounded. The Police again demanded that
Baba jee open the door. The sarpanch was asked to stand aside.
Baba jee then yelled from inside, “Give me a flashlight!” The
police were confused and asked “Why do you need it?” Baba jee
replied, “We’ve locked the door from the inside and need it so
we can see the lock!” The police passed a torch through the
space under the door. Baba jee and his brother armed their
assault rifles and set them on “burst”. Baba jee threw open
the door and began to fire. The CRPF officer at the door fell
immediately and the others also came under fire. The Bihari
officers began to run in all directions, screaming “Run
! They’re going to kill us!”
Baba jee and his brother jumped over the officers who were
still lying in position. A Punjab Police officer tried to
tackle Baba jee as he was running but also failed. Baba jee
had wreaked havoc on the police and escaped. One officer
thought Baba jee was chasing him and for kilometers ran in
front of Baba jee. Baba Gurbachan Singh did not harm the poor
police officer and let him go.
Panthic Committee & The Tiger Force
By 1986, the Sikh Freedom movement had begun and a five member
Panthic Committee was formed to give the movement direction.
The
Singhs choosing the Committee were all affiliated with Damdami
Taksal and had chosen five Singhs also affiliated with Taksal.
Baba Gurbachan Singh requested that at least one Singh from
Babbar Khalsa be chosen and he would give up his own spot if
needed. The other Singhs did not agree and the Committee was
announced. Baba Gurbachan Singh felt that without including
all members of the struggle, regardless of their Jathedbandi,
the Committee would not accomplish all it would have, but he
continued on as a member.
A Sarbat Khalsa was called on January 26, 1986 in which the
Panthic Committee was announced to the Sikh Panth. The five
members were Baba Gurbachan Singh Manochahal, Wassan Singh
Zaffarwal, Bhai Dhanna Singh, Bhai ArooR Singh (Shahid) and
Bhai Gurdev Singh Usman (Shahid). Bhai Gurdev Singh Kaunke was
appointed acting Jathedar of Sree Akal Takhat Sahib..
The Sarkar Takhat that was built by the Indian Government to
stand in place of the destroyed Sree Akaal Takhat Sahib was
also ordered to be destroyed. The kar seva of the new Akal
Takhat building began that day.
On
April 29, 1986
the Panthic Committee called a press conference at Sree Darbar
Sahib and made the declaration of an independent Sikh nation,
Khalistan.
Baba Gurbachan Singh along with the other Singhs had gone into
Darbar Sahib undercover. Baba jee tied his beard and took on
the appearance of a lawyer, complete with briefcase.
On April 30, Bhai Gurdev Singh was arrested and Baba Gurbachan
Singh was appointed acting Jathedar of Sree Akal Takhat Sahib.
In the period that followed it was always confusing who was
Jathedar as this position changed quite frequently. Baba jee
was once again appointed Jathedar on
October 23, 1987.
It was at this time that Baba Gurbachan Singh emerged as head
of a new organization: The Bhindranvala Tiger Force for
Khalistan (BTFK). Some top lieutenants who worked with Baba
jee were Bhai Sukhwinder Singh Sangha, Bhai Satnam Singh
Chheena and Bhai Surjeet Singh Behla. Baba jee’s brother Bhai
Mohinder Singh also was a close associate.
Trip
to Pakistan & Tragedy
Baba Manochahal decided to make a trip to
Pakistan to secure arms for the Singhs. In his absence, he
appointed Bhai Mohinder Singh to supervise operations. When
arms arrived, Bhai Mohinder Singh and Bhai Sukhwinder Singh
had a disagreement about the distribution and both parted
company.
 The
touts of the Indian Government decided to make use of this
disagreement. They tricked some Singhs working under Bhai
Sangha into shooting Bhai Mohinder Singh. They were told he
was a goon and terrorizing the common people. Without checking
on who they were attacking, the
foolish recruits ended up shooting Bhai Mohinder Singh.
Baba Gurbachan Singh returned to
Punjab
to find out what had happened and many Singhs blamed Bhai
Sangha for the death and asked that Baba jee take revenge.
Baba jee asked for an explanation from Bhai Sukhwinder Singh
and then after hearing the story simply said, “What’s done is
done. In the future be sure about who
it is you’re going to shoot.” The Singhs in the jathebandi
were shocked that Baba jee would let his brother’s death go
unpunished but Baba jee insisted that the mission was
Khalistan and to get caught in small personal battles was
self-defeating. Bhai Sangha eventually left the Majha area and
operated out of Malwa independent of Baba jee. When eventually
Bhai Sangha was martyred, Baba Gurbachan Singh expressed his
sadness and when others Singhs pointed out that Sangha had
left the Jathebandi, Baba jee said, “our goal was the same.
Everyone makes mistakes and we should over look them.”
Daily
Routine and Rehit
In the early days of the movement, Baba Gurbachan Singh kept a
hideout in the swamps of the Mand area. Here he set up some
huts and also a separate hut for Guru Granth Sahib. Baba jee
would sleep on the floor and every day wake up at amrit vela
and do two hours of naam abhyaas. After, he would complete his
very long nitnem and do sehaj paath from Guru Granth Sahib.
Baba jee daily completed five Sukhmani Sahibs even in the
thick of battle.
After his morning paath Baba jee would read up to seven
different newspapers to keep aware of events and government
propoganda. He would plan strategic strikes that would weaken
India’s
hold on Punjab and break the occupier’s confidence.
During this time, Baba jee even had amrit sinchaars at this
small dera for those who wanted to become Khalsa.
Baba
jee & the Pirs
If anyone has been to
Punjab
they will see that at every half kilometer, there is the grave
of a Muslim Pir (saint). These graves are often not even real
and made just to make money. Ignorant Hindus and Sikhs even
worship these graves and when going past them, villagers are
very afraid. Once Baba Gurbachan Singh and another Singh were
passing the grave of “Gainda Shah”. The Singh with Baba jee
stopped at the grave and because of fear, offered his
respects. Baba jee stood afar and watched all this. When the
Singh was finished, Baba jee took off his shoe, walked to the
grave and began to hit it. The other Singh was terrified and
shocked. But when nothing happened, and Baba jee walked away
without a word, that Singh and other villagers watching
understood that the graves had no power.
In Naushera Panooaa(n), there is a
grave of a Pir that is considered holy by mothers with sons.
They give their sons first pay to those looking after the
grave. Baba jee’s mother also once went to the grave and
offered prayers for Baba jee’s protection and gave Rs. 500.
Baba jee found out about this. When he went home to visit his
family one night after his return from
Pakistan,
his sister-in-law asked, “Do Muslims also come to matha tek at
Nankana Sahib?” Baba jee angrily replied, “Muslims aren’t
idiots like you who leave their own places of worship and
wander about elsewhere.” The family understood what Baba jee
was referring to.
Baba jee used to also speak against fake Sants. One such Sant
was thought to have magical powers. A Singh asked Baba jee,
“Don’t you feel afraid talking badly about that Sant? Aren’t
you afraid of being cursed?” Baba jee replied, “If Guru Gobind
Singh’s Singhs start getting affected by the curses of these
Sadhs, then what point is there in being a Singh? If these
curses did effect us, I’d take my kirpan and give it back to
Guru Sahib and ask him what was the point of being his Singh
if we still have to fear fake Sadhs like that…”
Standing Alone
Baba Gurbachan Singh was becoming the head of a very powerful
force and the people of Punjab were giving them all possible
support. In the plains of
Punjab,
a guerrilla movement is almost impossible unless the people
are willing to hide and shelter the fighters. Rural
Punjab was almost completely under the control of the
Singhs and the Indian Security Forces were afraid to even go
near them.
Respect for Human Life
Baba Manochahal was respected as being one of the
most wise Generals in the movement.
Baba Manochahal was very opposed to waste. When in an
encounter, he would stay very calm and only fire when he was
sure the bullet would be effective. He once said to Bhai
Surjit Singh Behla, “In an eight hour encounter I fired a
total of 150 rounds. You Singhs fire so many rounds for no
reason at all.”
When once some Singhs of a different group killed a police
informant and his entire family, Baba Manochahal met the
leader of the group and said, “If he was an informant then you
should have eliminated just him. Why did you kill his
children..?”
Baba jee never killed a Hindu for just being a Hindu. He was
completely opposed to pointless killing. In a meeting of
Singhs Baba jee explained, “A child is born and then it takes
at least 18 years for him to become a man. It cannot be called
humanity to mow him down based on a decision made in just a
few seconds. It’s important to give people at least three
chances to correct themselves.
Character Assassination
The government was becoming afraid that
Punjab was slipping from their grasp. They decided to change
the way in which the battle was being fought. New groups were
formed under the direction of various police officers. These
groups dressed like Singhs but went into villages to loot,
rape and kill. After performing their disgusting deeds, they
would shout Khalistan slogans and leave. The government also
began to spread falsehood about Baba Manochahal that he was
involved in rapes and looting and even that he had links to
the government.
But all these stories were false. Baba jee always treated all
women as sisters. Once the Singhs kidnapped a police officer
and his wife in order to secure the release of some captured
Singhs. When the police kidnapped or arrested Singhs’ women
family members, they were abused with filthy language and
often even raped. Baba Manochahal treated the police officer’s
wife like a sister and when they couple was released, just
like a brother sends away his real sister, Baba jee gave her a
new suit.
Buta
Singh’s Mansion
The government itself had spread the rumor that Baba
Manochahal had links with Buta Singh, a Congress Minister. It
said that Baba jee was not being caught because he was staying
in Buta Singh’s mansion and receiving shelter there. There was
of course no truth to this. Baba Gurbachan Singh used to spend
his nights in fields or families’ houses. He traveled by
bicycle or by foot most often and lived a very simple life.
Once it was raining and Baba jee was sitting in a sugar cane
field. He had spread a plastic sheet over top, but it was
beginning to leak. A Singh came to meet him and Baba jee
laughed, “Welcome! Come and see Buta Singh’s mansion. Wipe
your feet outside or you’ll muddy the rugs…”
Satwant Singh & Kehar Singh’s Bhog
Bhai Satwant Singh and Bhai Kehar Singh were hung for the
assassination of Indira Gandhi on January 6, 1989. All Sikh
Resistance Movement fighters organized a common Akhand Paath
Sahib in their memory. Bhai Vadhava Singh Babbar sang the
shabad “Sajan meray ranglay…” in a very moving way and all the
Singhs became emotional. All the Movement leaders were
present: Bhai Vadhava Singh, Bhai Gurjant Singh Budhsinghvala,
Bhai Parmjeet Singh Panjvar, Bhai Charanjit Singh Channi and
others.
Some attempts were being made at having unity between the
different groups. But as is the case with all Sikhs, there
were serious differences and the Indian government too had
succeeded in some ways at creating distrust. There were
whispers that perhaps Baba Manochahal really was a government
agent and maybe he really did allow raping and looting. As the
discussions were continuing, Baba Manochahal stood up and
declared, “I, Manochahal, have been accused
of a lot things. I’m a government
agent, I’m a looter, I’m also
friends with Buta Singh. Apparently I’ve bought a lot of land
in UP (using the Panth’s money)…But I want to say that
wherever you find this land, you can distribute it in the
Panth. My fight is dedicated to Sant ji’s words and I won’t
back down from that, regardless of whether my family is
finished and my children are cut to pieces in front of me. If
Banda Singh Bahadur could have his child’s heart put in his
mouth, why can’t I? I also tasted the same Guru’s amrit. I
could be accused of anything and I wouldn’t care. All I care
is that my Kalgeeaa(n) vala is not
disappointed with me…and then for all I care, the entire world
can be angry.
Battle of Rataul
One of the most famous battles in the history of the modern
Sikh Movement took place in village Rataul. Baba Manochahal
and some companions were staying in this village when it was
cordoned off by the police. One Singh was resting a house,
different than the one being used by Baba Manochahal, when the
police entered. The Singh entered an underground bunker. The
police became suspicious since a set of muddy foot prints
could be seen leading to a corner and then mysteriously
disappeared. When they went to the corner and moved a drum of
flour, the entrance to the bunker became visible. Right away,
the Singh inside opened fire and dropped the entire group. The
cowardly Indians began to run in different directions and the
Singh managed to escape from that house. Word was sent to Baba
Manochahal that the village was surrounded and he should
escape. Baba jee along with his body guard broke the cordon
and escaped.
Inside the village, 5 Singhs gathered at a house where they
had made a concrete bunker. They had decided to show the
police what a real encounter was like. The army along with
police divisions from
Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran and Batala surrounded the
area. The Singhs were well armed and had sniper rifles as
well.
A DIG of the police was trying to lead his men and give them
courage to fight when the Singhs shot him dead. The loss of
such a high ranking officer demoralized the already scared
troops. The Singhs continued to bellow jaikarey from inside
the bunker as they fought. Police officers attempted to pick
up the body, but each time were forced to retreat under fire.
The body lying there continued to demoralize them.
The Singhs fought for a total of 72 hours. The Security forces
had lost so many men that it could no longer stand to fight
anymore. They ordered a helicopter and had the bunker bombed.
The five Singhs inside were all Shaheed but showed they showed
the world that Guru Gobind Singh’s words “Sava lakh say aek
laRaaoo(n)” are still true.
Election Boycott
The Indian Centre ordered elections for Punjab on
February 19, 1992. A group of Sikh fighters under the Panthic
Committee headed by Dr. Sohan Singh ordered the Sikhs to
boycott the elections. Baba Gurbachan Singh on the other hand
wanted the Sikhs to take part in the elections and by electing
Panthic Singhs, show that the will of the people was Khalistan.
Once a Panthic government was formed in
Punjab, it could pass a motion for independence and show that
Khalistan was the will of the people. Even if such a
government were dismissed by the Centre, the will of the
people would have been expressed as being in favour of
independence.
Baba Manochahl’s stand was criticized by many and Dr. Sohan
Singh called him an agent of the government. Baba jee replied,
“The time will come when the Panth will know who is a
government agent and who is not. But that time is
unfortunately not going to come any time soon.” Dr. Sohan
Singh is still alive today, walking a free man on the streets
of Chandigarh.
Some misguided fighters went so far as to attack Baba jee’s
family in their home. Baba jee’s companions asked him to reply
to this attack in kind but Baba jee simply said, “If they are
making a mistake, should I make a mistake just like them too?
The government already wants that we should fight and kill
each other. Should we help the government by fighting each
other?”
Baba jee kept encouraging the Sikh Movement leaders to not
boycott the election saying that if they participated they
would clearly win but if they did not, Baba jee said, “it’s
like taking off our shoe and handing it over to our enemy to
beat us over the head with. Singhs! Please don’t make this
mistake…”
But short sightedness resulted in a boycott of the
Punjab
elections. Baba jee lamented, “The election boycott is going
to have a deadly effect on us. It’s going to throw the Sikh
Movement decades behind. Just watch, those people who today
are considering it an honour to invite us to their houses are
not even going to give us food when we ask
them for it nor even open their doors when we knock.
We’re going to be slaughtered, the Akali leaders are going to
be thrown in prison and the entire struggle will be setback
decades. We’re going to boycott the elections and then we’re
going to see the big pillars of our movement drop, one by
one.” Baba jee’s words were nothing less than a prophecy of
the bleak future.
The
Congress and KP Gill
The Congress government won the election with a voter turnout
of less than 25%. The Hindu voters elected the Congress
government on their promise to finish the Sikh Movement.
After the election, the new Chief Minister of Punjab, Beanta
and the Punjab Police Chief, KP Gill had a meeting. Beanta
made clear that the Movement should be finished at all costs.
KP Gill said he could do the job, but he would need complete
control over the police with no interference from anyone. No
one should object to anything he did based
on human rights or anything else. He could do the job, but it
would be a bloody mess. Beanta agreed.
And so began the beginning of the end…
Final Days
KPS Gill was given a free hand by the new Chief Minister of
Punjab, Beanta. And so began a wave of terror in
Punjab that had not even been seen in the reign of
the Mughals or Afghans. Entire families of Sikh fighters were
murdered in barbaric ways. Families that gave shelter to the
Singhs were publicly tortured to death. Villagers no longer
knew who the real fighters were and who were the gangs put out
by the Indian Security Forces. They became reluctant to open
their doors at night.
Baba Manochahal’s Family
Baba Gurbachan Singh was married and had three sons. When he
began his life underground, Baba jee wrote a poem for those
who were waiting for him. In a part, he wrote:
Why are you sad friend?
Don’t bite your lip
Try and understand my thoughts.
We have left with a hope in our minds.
Without fulfilling it, we will not return.
Baba jee left, knowing that he was sacrificing his family, but
he had given his word to
sacrifice his all for the cause of Sikh independence. The
police first seized Baba jee’s home in Naushera
Panooaa(n) and made his family
homeless. They made the home a police station.
When the family returned to village Manochahal, the police
would harass them every day and take them for interrogation.
The police even arrested
Baba jee’s eight year old son.
Baba Gurbachan Singh jee’s 70 year old father Bapoo Atma Singh
was arrested many times and was then martyred in police
custody. His body was never r eturned.
Baba jee’s younger brother, Nirvair Singh was abducted by the
police in August 1992 and after a month of unspeakable torture
was killed on September 9, 1992 in a fake encounter.
Baba jee’s 12 year old son, Harbrinder Singh was staying with
a woman Baba jee considered his sister, Bibi Parmjeet Kaur.
Harbrinder Singh had gone to school one day when, Bibi
Parmjeet Kaur was arrested along with her husband and younger
son. Bibi Parmjeet Kaur was tortured with electric shocks and
the police demanded she tell them where Harbrinder Singh was,
but she did not falter and refused to speak. Harbrinder Singh
was met at school by Bibi Parmjeet Kaur’s brother who took him
to a secure place. After that, he spent his childhood going
alone from one Dera to another, doing seva and wondering where
his family was or if they were even alive.
Baba jee’s mother, 62 year old Mata Gurmej Kaur was also
abducted by the police and killed in the fall of 1992. The
rest of Baba jee’s family survived by living in hiding.
In total, 43 of Baba Gurbachan Singh’s family members were
arrested and tortured. They were forced by the police to do an
ardaas for Baba jee’s speedy death or capture. The families
were kept in illegal custody for nine months. Five of them
never returned home. The police wanted that the families of
the Sikh fighters would themselves turn in the Singhs or wish
for their death so they would be spared further torture.
Shaheedee of Other Singhs
Just as Baba Gurbachan Singh had predicted, the leaders of the
Sikh Resistance Movement began to fall one by one. With human
rights no longer a factor, KP Gill ordered his men to
slaughter families and torture those who might have
information. Bhai Rachhpal Singh Chandran, head of the Malwa
Bhindranvala Tiger Force was martyred on June 18, 1992. Bhai
Gurjant Singh Budhsinghvala of the Khalistan Liberation Force
was martyred on
July 31 1992 and then 10 days later, Bhai Sukhdev Singh
Babbar, Jathedar of Babbar Khalsa became a Shaheed.
When Baba jee heard about the Shaheedee of Bhai Sukhdev Singh
Babbar, he was staying with his sister. Baba jee read the news
and tears began to flow from his eyes. His sister had not seen
this happen before and asked, “But you used to say that
Sukhdev Singh Babbar was opposed to your political stands [The
Babbars had supported the election boycott] and now you are
crying? What is going on?”
Baba jee replied, “Yes, I had a strong disagreement with him,
but we had the same mission.  And
he was after all just like my brother…”
Baba jee continued to be very depressed and would not eat. His
sister couldn’t bear this anymore and brought Baba jee’s
mother to check on him. But by the time Mata Gurmej Kaur
arrived, Baba jee had recovered and told her to return home.
The police said many filthy things about Bhai Sukhdev Singh’s
character. The newspapers were completely in control of the
government. No statements from Sikh Organizations were allowed
to be printed and any success by Sikh fighters was also not
reported. Baba jee decided that something must be said to
defend the memory of his brother, so he released a tape
defending Bhai Sukhdev Singh’s character.
Further Atrocities
Baba Gurbachan Singh was now the last Sikh Resistance leader
left in Punjab. The others had crossed over to
Pakistan
and requested that he too should join them. Baba jee refused.
He said that he would never leave the battlefield. How could
he ask Singhs to continue the fight if he himself ran away?
Baba jee was now beginning to run out of hideouts. The police
had arrested all those even suspected of knowing him and
tortured them all severely. Many hideouts were revealed and
Baba Gurbachan Singh’s weapons and ammunition seized. Out of
the group of people arrested, one Singh, Bhai Harpal Singh,
had refused to reveal any information on Baba jee. The police
ripped his body apart with severe torture. There was another
man in the group named Didar Singh who even before being hit
once revealed everything. The police treated him very well.
Now, whenever the police arrested someone with connections to
Baba Gurbachan Singh, they brought out both Bhai Harpal Singh
and Didar Singh. Bhai Harpal Singh could not stand and his
clothes were ripped and bloodied. Didar Singh was dressed in
clean fresh clothes and would sit comfortably. The police
would say, “Look at both of them. One talked and the other
didn’t. We found the hideout and arms anyways so it didn’t
matter. Now it’s up to you, what you want to do.” Many people
who saw this were scared into telling all.
Raids were conducted everywhere to find Baba Gurbachan Singh.
Coordinated raids took place at the same time at between 40
and 60 different places but still Baba jee could not be found.
Fearless
Baba Manochahal was now almost completely alone. The Singhs
with him, like Bhai Surjeet Singh Behla
were either Shaheed or could not be contacted. No one
was willing to keep Baba jee in their home anymore. So Baba
jee began to spend the cold fall and winter nights in the
fields. A Singh that sometimes accompanied Baba jee in these
days tells that even when there were Security Forces
patrolling the roads, and Baba jee was hiding in a nearby
field, he would begin to sing, “Sir
Ditiaa(n) baajh nahee(n) rehNaa dharm, sir ditiaa(n)
baajh nahee(n) rehNaa…” [The faith won’t survive without
sacrificing our heads]. The Singh would fearfully say, “Baba
jee…there’re police jeeps parked on the road and your voice is
so loud that it’s carrying across all the fields…”
Baba jee would jokingly reply, “So I should sing louder
then..?”
Baba jee was a poet and even in these dark days continued to
write poetry. Even in the thick of battle Baba jee would write
in his diary.
Call to Surrender
In the final days of 1992 KP Gill issued a call for Baba
Gurbachan Singh to surrender. He had no where left to hide and
all his companions had been killed. Baba jee replied, “I don’t
consider it appropriate to be talking to the pet dogs of
Delhi.
The Prime Minister and his guards can pick a time and place
and then we’ll see which side makes the other surrender. I
would prefer death to surrender.”
Final Days
In the last week of Februrary 1993, Baba Gurbachan Singh was
staying at the house of Bhai Jasbir Singh Kala. On a tip, the
police raided the home and Baba jee quickly slipped into an
underground bunker. Jasbir Singh was stripped naked and
tortured in the house. The entire family could hear his
screams, as could Baba jee underground. Jasbir Singh did not
reveal anything. The police began to search for a bunker and
at the spot where the bunker was located, even dug a hole to
investigate. After digging a bit, they gave up. Little did
they know that Baba jee was five feet
underneath. The police arrested Jasbir Singh and took
him away. Later that night, Baba jee escaped and left for
village BaagReeaa(n).
One of Baba jee’s final remaining companions was Sukhvant
VanchiRee. In front of Baba jee, Sukhvant would be very brave,
but behind his back, he would whine that his family would be
killed. Baba jee’s sympathizers had told Baba jee all this and
asked that he not trust Sukhvant. Baba Gurbachan Singh could
not believe however that such a close companion could ever
betray him.
In these final days, Sukhvant asked Baba jee for a short
leave, but never returned.
February 27, 1993
At
8AM, the police raided village
BaaReeaa(n) and headed straight for
the home where Baba jee was staying. Baba jee quickly ran into
the bunker that was made in the barn. In the house at the
time, there was an older Bibi and her two sons. The Bibi
called on her son to cover the bunker .
He came and layed the floorboards down and put grass over top.
The police entered the home and immediately grabbed the son’s
wrist and dragged him to the waiting jeep. The Bibi did not
understand whether the police had coincidentally raided their
home or someone had tipped them off.
The police officer returned and walked over to the barn and
began to check the floor. The Bibi understood now that someone
had betrayed Baba jee. She was terrified for her sons and so
she screamed at the officer, “Veera! Watch out and save us as
well! There’s someone hiding inside!” She had thought that by
doing this, her life and the lives of her sons might be saved.
The police officer froze and asked in a quivering voice, “How
many…?” The Bibi replied, “Just one!” The rest of the police
party gathered at the barn and began to move forward. All of a
sudden, the floorboards of the barn flew up and Baba Gurbachan
Singh appeared. He threw a hand grenade and scattered the
security men. Baba jee had a GPM (General Purpose Machine
Gun), an AK 47 and a bag of ammunition swung around his back.
He bellowed jaikaray and ran through the police spraying
bullets.
Baba jee sprinted through the fields and tossed his shawl on
top of the wheat to throw the police off his trail. The police
thought that Baba jee was hiding in the fields. Jeep after
Jeep of Security Forces was arriving and searching every inch
of the field, while Baba jee, who had wrapped a rug around
himself to keep warm, made his escape.
Baba jee borrowed a bicycle and a shawl from some Singhs he
met on the way. The Singhs he met say that Baba jee was
completely serene and told them “I just had a gunfight at
BaagReeaa(n). All my equipment and
supplies were left behind…” Baba jee said this in such a calm
manner that the Singhs thought he was kidding. Among the
supplies Baba jee had left behind was a wireless set that he
used to monitor the army and police movements.
The police soon followed on Baba jee’s trail. They were using
search dogs who led them to the home of the Singh that had
lent Baba jee his bike. The police slapped the Singh’s wife
and asked where Baba Gurbachan Singh had gone. She said that
she did not know who it was but someone had stolen their
bicycle. The farmers in the area were gathered and asked which
way Baba jee had gone. They all were supporters of the Sikh
cause and sent Officer Khubi Ram and his party in the wrong
direction. All the while, Baba jee was sitting in a nearby
field.
All night, Baba jee sat alone in the cold field. Late into the
night, he left for Sukhvant VanchiRee’s in-law’s house at
village Rataul.
Shaheedee
Baba jee arrived cold and hungry in Rataul. He headed for what
he thought was a secure hideout, where he might meet his
companion. At Sukhvant’s in-law’s home, he found only women.
Sukhvant had gone out somewhere. Baba jee was anxious to leave
but the women assured Baba jee that Sukhvant would meet him in
the morning.
Sukhvant had been working for the police. The police had given
the family a white powder that was to be given to Baba jee
when he came. The police had warned them that if Baba
Manochahal came to their house and got away, the entire family
would be killed. The women warmed some milk and mixed the
powder in it. They gave Baba jee the glass of milk and he
quickly drank it. Baba jee drank poison from the hands of
those he considered his own. The entire Indian Security Force
could not do what Baba jee’s own had now done. Baba jee fell
unconscious and then left for his place at the Guru’s feet.
The women went to the police station where a jeep filled with
families suspected of helping Baba Manochahal was ready to
leave for CIA Staff Tarn Taran. The women told the DSP of
Police that they had done their work. The jeep was emptied and
the families put into cells. The entire Police Party rushed to
Ratual.
First they recorded the death of their most dreaded
“terrorist” by taking pictures. They ripped Baba jee’s dastaar
off his head and dragged him into the grass.
Shaheedee Saroop (before the bullets)
After taking the initial pictures, they pumped bullets into
Baba jee’s body so they could report a spectacular
“encounter”. They then took pictures with Baba jee’s body.
Baba jee's blood soaked body
The cowards who had trembled at the name of “Manochahal” were
now grabbing Baba jee by his kesh and laughing. Sukhvant too
had arrived to join in the celebration. They fired shots into
the air. The dreaded tiger had fallen.
The dogs around a lion.
Aftermath
KP Gill flew in from
Chandigarh
and told reporters an exciting story of how Baba Gurbachan
Singh had been surrounded and after a long encounter, was
found in a pool of blood. Perhaps he didn’t know that the
pictures taken by his own police officers would show his tale
to be a complete lie.
KP Gill declared, “Today the Khalistan movement has been
finished in Punjab.”
The police cremated Baba jee’s body
themselves and had a distant relative immerse the ashes
at Kiratpur Sahib. Only police officers were present for this
Sikh Hero’s final Ardaas.
Baba Jee's Final Ardaas
For good
measure, the police picked up Baba jee’s
brother Balwinder Singh on March 16, 1993 and then killed him
on March 29. The rest of Baba jee’s family was scattered and
in hiding. Years later they would slowly come back together
again. Their house in Naushera Panooaa(n)
is still in police hands.
The Sikh movement slowly died away. The opponents of the Sikhs
had always said that the Sikhs were tigers who could never be
tamed. They would never accept slavery. It was either freedom
or death. And 10 years have passed now, without a sound. Some
say that perhaps the time has finally come when the enemy has
shattered the Sikhs’ unconquerable spirit.
Baba jee had limitless faith in the Sikhs though. In his final
letter he wrote, "This Movement can not be suppressed by
anyone. So much blood has been spilt for it that no bargaining
can be done now. There are only two paths for us: Takhat
(throne) or Takhta(gallows). The
ardaas done at Akal Takhat Sahib,
and the Declaration of Khalistan are our promises before Guru
Sahib and we will solemnly keep them. The Sikh Sangat should
be assured that the Khalsa will be victorious."
Only Guru Sahib knows when the Khalsa will rise again...
|
