The Sikh psyche received a terrible blow on June 6, 1984. The pain and anguish have not lessened and will haunt our collective conscience until we can ensure that such a catastrophe does not befall us again. The desecration of our holiest shrines the destruction of the Akal Takht and the martyrdom of the several thousand Sikhs in the Harmandir Sahib with that noble Saint Soldier Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale is as fresh in our memory asif were only yesterday. The fateful events of seven years ago have not ended. They were only the beginning.
Sikhs having been roused by this intense hurt and resolving to never allow another barbaric insult to their faith started an independence struggle. Uncounted thousands of Sikhs have embraced martyrdom in these seven years. Our heads bow in respect and gratitude to these true sons of Guru Gobind Singh.
Thousands are willing today to follow in their footsteps. The official Indian Govt figure averages 20-30 Sikhs killed every day.
In taking stock much has been achieved in the past seven years India has been shaken to its foundations but we could have done better and much more with far less sacrifice and effort. We need to streamline our efforts and to make it sophisticated. Delhi’s arrogance that it can outwit us must be brought to its knees. Its neocolonial policies and barbaric repression continue in Punjab.
The militant movement has held center-stage in the freedom movement so far and by all indications will continue to do so for want of a strong movement over ground. The fledgling over ground movement was not allowed to project present and negotiate our hopes and aspirations thanks mainly to Delhi’s clever manipulations. It did not suit brahmanical thinking to solve the Punjab problem. Rajiv Gandhi in following his mother’s policies has joined her. This may or may not change the mindset of the ruling coterie. But we need to change ours. We have seen that only the freedom-fighters have given our movement some thrust and momentum forward in this seven year period. We must rededicate ourselves to helping them. Their sacrifices and loyalty to the cause of freedom and liberty are without parallel in human history. It cannot be allowed to fail. The responsibility is great we must rise to the challenge like our brave brethren in the homeland.
While the role of Sikhs in western countries has been very supportive it is hard not to find fault with them on several counts. After Operation Bluestar the World Sikh Organisation, Babbar Khalsa International Khalistan government-in-exile Khalistan Council ISO to name a few as well as several gurdwara institutions came forward or were formed to help the movement. They Have individually done commendable work but have often been at cross purposes with each other. Just their number suggests that Sikhs have failed to collaborate their efforts. Self-centeredness has made many lose sight of the main objective freedom. Much time and money has been lost in petty squabbles and unnecessary duplication of work.
Lobbying and electing lawmakers have not had the desired effect so far but it has educated Sikhs as to the need to be involved in the political process of their adopted nations. However at the moment it is important to keep our focus targetted on our main objective.
The recent rash of violent incidents over the control of gurdwara managements is also disturbing. By such divisive and destructive petty politics we are not only moving away from our objective but bringing the community a bad name. We have to rise above petty politics where Khalistan is often used to promote individuals. These people would be well advised to not damage the cause any further.
While paying homage to the great martyrs of the nation on this anniversary we must remind ourselves to redouble our efforts to not let their sacrifices be in vain. We owe it to ourselves and our children. Khalistan Zindabad!
Article extracted from this publication >> June 7, 1991
