AMRITSAR: The security forces claimed to have killed five freedom fighters including a Lt. General of Khalistan Commando force in a so called encounter near Bhai Laddoo village, under Bhikhiwind police station in Patti subdivision on last weekend. Mr. C. Paul Singh I.G. Border Range who monitored the nine hours so called encounter operation told newsmen that among the killed freedom fighters is the leader of the group Bhai Bakshish Singh alias Shisha. The L.G. claimed that this group was responsible for the killing of at least 40 persons including, those of bus passengers near Khem Karan. The S.S.P. Tarn Taran police district claimed to have recovered a portable rocket launcher besides large ammunition from them. According to him, this type of rocket Jauncher with a foreign mark was unknown amongst the Sikh freedom fighters, so far.
Apart from Bhai Bakshish Singh two other persons were identified as Bhai Sukhraj Singh and Bhai Gurdev Singh. The identity of the other two freedom fighters could not be established.
According to Mr. C. Paul Singh six companies of the security forces took part in the nine hour encounter operation.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 25, 1988
