Arrest of S. Parkash Singh Badal and Mr. Gurcharan Singh Tobra following Tohra’s victory in the S.G.P.C. elections, beyond doubt, demonstrates the essentially fascist character of the Indian political system, Evidently only such Sikhs are acceptable to the Hindu rulers as submerge their identity in Hinduism and are also willing to serve as tools for destroying those Sikhs who want to maintain their separate religious identity. Tobra defeated the ruling Barnala Akali Dal’s nominee, Mr. Kabul Singh, by a wide margin. In Barnala’s defeat lies Rajiv Gandhi’s own defeat as Rajiv was personally involved in the election and used all his resources to influence the voters. Barnala offered every conceivable temptation and Rajiv violated) every constitutional propriety to see Tohra defeated. But he out-witted both.
Undoubtedly, Tohra played his cards rather well. It is significant that he was able to secure the support of eyen the most radical among the Sikhs despite his ignominious surrender to the Indian Army in June, 1984, and his subsequent compromise with the now defunct Punjab Accord. Whatever be his credibility and commitment, his victory certainly spells disaster for the Barnala ministry and reflects the current mood of the Sikh masses.
Barnala betrayed his own vows when he engineered the Accord. He forfeited his right to continue in office after the split in the Akali Dal. Ever since the split, he has been limping with the Congress (I) crutches. He should realize that in politics one can’t go far with artificially inseminated potency. History is replete with instances that show how rulers discard self-seekers like him after fully exploiting their utility. Arrests of Parkash Singh Badal and Gurcharan Singh Tohra indicate that Delhi rulers have grown nervous and are anxious to contain Badal group’s growing influence. Perhaps it does not fall in line with their plan of replacing Barnala with the ‘own Trojan Horse. Therefore, Center would like to continue with the present arrangement of eliminating Sikh youths ‘through Barnala for some-time more. It will not be any surprise if tomorrow it is discovered that the bus passenger killing was actually the handiwork ‘of government agents effected to create conditions for the continuance of Barnala. Arrest of Badal and Tohra confirms this motivation. Rajiv has already expressed his displeasure and concern at Tohra’s action in getting the security forces removed form around Sikh temples (gurdwaras),
Tohra’s election as President of S.G.P.C. is not enough to wash hit sins; He has got to re-establish his bona-fides with the Sikh masses He cannot hope to succeed through gimmicks. His arrest should not deter him from taking concrete steps. He can effectively function even from behind the prison bars as his own group will have the control of S.G.P.C. Tohra must immediately replace Jathedar Kirpa Singh and Giani Sahib Singh and instead recognize Sarbat Khalss appointments of Bhai Jasbir Singh as Jathedar and of Bhai Gurdev Singh as the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht. He must instantly disband the Golden Temple security force which in reality is manned by army and police personnel. Baba Thakur Singh, acting Chief of Damdami Taksal, should be given exclusive charge of Kar Sewa for the reconstruction of the Akal Takht. He must also get the All India Gurdwara Act re-drafted in order to maintain the supremacy of the Akal Takht and the Golden Temple and remove all such clauses as attempt to shift the Center of Sikh power from Amritsar to Delhi.
A word of warning to the Delhi rulers will also be relevant here. ‘They should realize that enough is enough. Sikhs will no longer tolerate interference in their religious matters and suppression will only strengthen their resolve to up-hold their dignity, integrity and freedom even if they have to shed their last drop of blood,
Article extracted from this publication >> December 5, 1986
