The security forces took eminent citizens of Amritsar including certain professors of Guru Nanak Dev University to the complex on 19.5.1988. These citizens were reluctant to go inside in the absence of any official of the S.G.P.C. They, I and few others of the S.G.P.C. were also contacted.

The visitors were divided into two groups one was conducted towards Baba Deep Singh’s Memorial side in the prikarma and the other towards room No. 48 near Brahm Boota Akhara.

We saw three A.K. 47 assault rifles when we proceeded towards room No. 14. On the other side, too, one or two stenguns and three or four country made pistols were seen.

But near the Harki Pauri in Harmandir Sahib area 20-22 assault rifles .were seen.

The arms could not have been taken inside without the connivance of security forces. Every vehicle was used to be searched. Even my vehicle was never spared. The security forces say that weapons were smuggled in by the Kar sewa vehicles. But these vehicles belonged to Baba Uttarn Singh who called for surrender. Those who surrender cannot be called true Sikhs. These gentlemen defecated and dishonoured Darbar Sahib.

I cannot say with certainty as to who fired at D.I.G. C.R.P.F., S.S Virk. Whether it was Surjit Singh Pallid or Sakatar Singh. But a few women who came from inside testified that it was Sakatar Singh. He was none else than incharge of kar sewa group of Baba Uttam Singh. The latter now claims that Sakatar Singh deserted him three or more months age and had Kilned the “insiders”. The Baba, therefore, disclaims any responsibility for the provocation made by Sakatar Singh.

Inside Darbar Sahib, the dead body of a Sikh boy of 17-18 bore a piece of paper. In front of room sum No. 14 a bagful of currency notes valued at more than Rs. 4 lakh was recovered. I requested that the money be made over to the S.G.P.C. First, the authorities agreed but later they backed out and promised to do so after scrutiny.

Nothing could be said as to who arranged the surrender on 18.5.1988. Rut it is known that two men – presumably Bhai Malkiat Singh. and Bhai Gajjan Singh of Damdami Taksal – went on 16.5.1988 inside sanctum sanctorum where 46 Sikhs were stranded.

In all about 35-40 persons were killed inside. The number could be more. The security forces themselves disposed of the dead bodies. The Taksal men brought out five dead bodies. Only. These included the body of a Sikh who had no arms and who guarded the cash box (golak) in front of Akal Takht building. Two of the other dead bodies were of Rashpal Singh and Milkha Singh.

Earlier, during the operation Blue Star, the Sikh reference library was put to fire. This time the Sikh museum (ajaibghar) inside the complex has been destroyed. The museum had rare paintings of Sikh heroes. They reflected prominent incidents of Sikh history.

It is claimed that the museum building adjoining Ghanta Ghar caught fire as a result of cremation of the dead body of Bhai Jagir Singh. But the reality is that Bhai Jagir Singh’s dead body was recovered from near room No. 14, far away -from the Ghanta Ghar area. Actually the museum was made a target with the help of incendiary bombs thrown by security forces in a planned manner.

The S.G.P.C. has been entrusted nominally with the control of the 40 rooms located towards C.,hanta Ghar side. But the real control still rests with the Government. Those engaged in cleaning operation are non-Sikhs whose identity is unknown. to us.

It has not oc cured to us so far to contact the authorities to seek the particulars of those killed and those arrested. We will do so now.

I am not in a position to comment on the role of Singh Sahibs. I am a mere employee of the S.G.P.C. But whatever happens inside the Darbar Sahib prikarma area is the responsibility of Singh Sahibs.

As for the S.G.P.C. resolution on demolition of certain structures etc. inside the complex, no new proposal has been mooted by us. We are merely implementing the resolutions passed during the tenure of Mr. Kabul Singh as President with which the then Acting Jathedar, Prof. Darshan Singh, also had agreed.

(At this stage Mr. Hari Singh Arewala, a senior member of time S.G.t’.C. executive entered Mr. Bhan Singh’s house).

Now it is for Mr. Hari Singh Arewala to explain to you the S.G.P.C. viewpoint.