STOCKTON: Prof Darshan Singh, former Jathedar of the Akal Takht, addressed the sangat at the Gurdwara Sahib here on Aug 19. He spoke at length of the alienation of the Sikhs in India and gave examples of how the police in the garb of militants were harassing innocent people, State repression was the rule rather than the exception, he said.
He did not specify as to the why or how of Khalistan. Many people who were present told this correspondent that Prof Darshan Singh in effect did not say anything in his hour-long speech. No questions were allowed.
He dwelled at length on the sterling character of Sikhs of yore who on this strength alone had established a kingdom in the last century. The implication was that the freedom movement today was unprincipled, said an old time resident. He made an exception of the Babbars, who he said were honest. He repeatedly said that the sword alone could not achieve much. Speaking in parables, he said a weaker wrestler who had a better technique could best a stronger man. Baba Makhan Singh, a surviving Gadhar Party founder, said that Darshan Singh spoke only as he was tutored by those who control him. The gurdwara management gave Darshan Singh a siropa. Earlier, Prof Darshan Singh spoke at the El Sobrante and Fremont Gurdwaras.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 24, 1990
