CHANDIGARH: Panthic committee member Dr.Sohan Singh’s wife’s bhog ceremony at the sector 8 gurdwara here attracted a huge crowd, Bibi Satwant Kaur after prolonged illness had breathed her last a few days ago. The bhog ceremony was organized by Dr.Sohan Singh’s son, Sardar Swaran Singh Boparai, a senior officer with the Punjab government, and other close relations. The event was advertised in a local newspaper and no invitation letters were sent out. Despite this, Sangats joined in the last prayers in their thousands. They braved heavy rain to reach the gurdwara. Those who joined the prayers for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to Dr.Sohan Singh and other near and dear ones of Bibi Satwant Kaur were numerous ordinary Sikhs who may not have known or seen the Khalistan leader’s wife, Others who made it a point to be present on the occasion included Punjab chief secretary A.S.Chatha, chief minister Beant Singh’s principal secretary J,S .Maini, several senior Punjab government secretaries, judges of the Punjab and Haryana high court, leaders of Akali Dals including $.G.P.C. chief Gurcharan Singh Tohra, a few ruling party legislators, journalists and public men. No senior Akali leader (except for Tohra) was present. Among the notable persons present was R.S. Gill, father of Punjab police chief K.P.S. Gill, There was a traffic jam outside as hundreds of vehicles blocked the movement of vehicles. Among those waiting outside the gurdwara for the participant V.L.P.s were numerous policemen. They were security guards of Chatha and other important government functionaries, The V.1.Ps participation may be an act of courtesy to Sardar Boparai who happens to be an Indian Administrative Service officer. But evidently some of the V.I.Ps were not unaware of the importance of the function. No speeches were allowed by the management of the gurdwara which is controlled by local businessmen of pro-establishment persuasion, It was a solemn occasion and was treated as such by the participants, Most ordinary Sikhs were appreciative of the sacrifices made by Dr.Sohan Singh and members of his family for the Sikh cause. Their hearts went out for Dr.Sohan Singh who is at present underground and is not in a position to join the last prayers in memory of his beloved wife.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 18, 1992
