The Indian propaganda machinery called them terrorists, killers and extortionists. Most of the western media virtually echoed the malicious description. But for Sikhs both Bhai Sukhdev Singh and Bhai Gurjant Singh Budhsinghwala were heroes not merely worth remembering but worth “worshipping.” They came to this world to rescue the Sikh identity, honor and dignity and played a glorious role before bowing out. The Sikh history produced men like Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, Baba Deep Singh, Sham Singh Attari wala etc who followed in the footsteps of Guru Arjun Devji, Guru Hargobindji, Guru Tegh Bahadur Saheb and Guru Gobind Singhji. To this genre of martyrs belonged Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The current Sikh struggle for Khalistan claimed a death toll of more than half a million which is unprecedented in the world history. Bhai Budhsinghwala was essentially a hero who was honest, dedicated and just in his life-style. He was not afraid of death. He was equal to any task given to him. He was intelligent and resourceful. He carried out the most difficult assignments. Events shaped as he signaled them to. No wonder his death came to Sikhs as a stunning blow. Thousands of people -men, women and children were eager to attend the last prayers but were prevented from joining them. Bhai Budhsinghwala was noble soul who would not kill any innocent nor offend any community. But he carried out all tasks that were essential to punish the oppressors in the true Sikh tradition. Thus he created a niche for himself in Sikh history that will always be remembered. But Bhai Sukhdev Singh made a contribution that was somewhat distinctive. He was an organizer of high calibre. He played a significant role in raising Babbar Khalsa International as an organization devoted to the cause of Khalistan. Bhai Sukhdev Singh’s brief political career saw him growing as an astute strategieian, a wise politician and a leader of men and matters. Gone are the days when traditional Akalis could manipulate and exploit the simplicity of Bhai Sukhdev Singh Babbar, They tried to pit him against Sant Bhindranwale. But with Guru’s grace, Bhai Sukhdev Singh saw through the game and joined hands with Sant Bhindranwale to offer a tough resistance to the Indian armed aggression on the Golden Temple in 1984. He left the complex to carry on the struggle outside. The Sikh struggle perhaps could not have reached the high water-mark it reached had Bhai Sukhdev Singh not left the complex in 1984. Thus his loss is being felt by Sikhs as acutely as they felt Sant Bhindran wale’s loss in 1984.

The deaths of Bhai Budhsinghwala and Bhai Sukhdev Singh Babbar are events that should provide an opportunity not merely to remember their deeds of bravery and organizational skill but also introspection,

What could have caused their martyrdom? Indian security forces killed them after arresting them, There is hardly any doubt on that score. But why should it be possible for India to arrest them now more than ever before? Perhaps because India has succeeded in infiltrating the militant ranks . Why has it been possible for India to infiltrate the militant ranks now more than ever before? One explanation could be that the movement has yet to acquire a wide mass base and a corresponding political maturity. There is very little of political schooling of the cadres. Access to world experience in freedom fight is virtually nil for cadres, There is a great deal of arbitrariness in the movement. Anonymity is shunned by most cadres. Leaders allow too much access to cadres, Big formations and publicity are sure ways of inviting infiltration. There is hardly any effort to strengthen the mass base of the movement. Bhai Daljit Singh did take steps to rectify the earlier errors but the damage had already been done. What is required is the complete overhaul of the strategy and tactics of the Sikh movement. Urgent steps should be taken to strengthen the mass base. The armed struggle should go hand in hand with the over ground struggle. The armed cadres should be | taught to act in anonymity and shun publicity. The underground formations must never be leaked out as is now frequently done by those who are lured by publicity.

Every formation should be as small as possible. It should preferably be numbered rather than named after an area commander. Wider mass base coupled with smaller action formations free from the lure of needless publicity could contribute a lot to re-railing the movement and making it stronger.

The martyrdom of Bhai Budhsinghwala and Bhai Sukhdev ‘Singh provides an opportunity to the militant leadership to equip themselves with boss his and new ways of meeting the Indian challenge.

Article extracted from this publication >> Aug 21, 1992