By: Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer Professor of Sikh Studies On February 20, 1987, Surjit Barnala held function at Longowal village. Most of the audience was non Sikh, The gathering supported SurjitBamala for his rebellion against Akal Takht Sahib. On February 23, 1987, Zail Singh supported Surjit Bamala for his rebellion against Akal ‘Takht Sahib. After a few days Bimal Kaur, widow of Shaheed Beant Singh, announced the formation of a new Women ‘Akali Dal. Thus providing another challenge for Ragi Darshan Singh.

The Hindu leaders provoked SurjitBamala to rebel against Akal Takht Sahib and extended him all support, But when the Hindu leadership found that they could no Jongeruse SurjitBaralahe was discarded, On May 11, 1987 Surjit Bamala’s government was dismissed. Surjit Barnala, during his reign, sent police into Darbat Sahib more than twenty times, killed at least five thousand Sikhs, arrested thousands of the Sikhs, rebolled against Akal Takht Sahib, collaborated with the anti-Sikh forces and harmed the Sikh nation in many ways.

In May 1987, Bhai Gurjit Singh, the President of Sikhs’ Students federation announced that the Federation shall observe Ghallughara (Holocaust) Day in Darbar Sahib on June 6. On that day curfew was imposed in the whole of Amritsar. No Sikh was allowed to enter Darbar Sahib, ‘The Federation announced the holding of its conference on June 25, 1987, in Darbar Sahib complex, Like June 6, the police cordoned the city and occupied the Congregation Hill, therefore, the Federation had to hold its function at Akal Takht Sahib. During his period, the Panthic Committee publicized some posters and Used the stamp of Akal Takht Sahib on these poster. Ragi Darshan Singh objected {o the use of the stamp of Akal Takht Sahib, The caretakers of the other Takhs also supported Ragi. Bhai Gurjit Singh, however, supported the Panthic Committee.

Local (Assembly) elections in Haryana ‘were held on June 17 and Chowdhry Devi Lal won with a massive majority. Ragi Darshan Singh complimented Devi Lal on his success. This was the starting point of anew conspiracy. On July3, 1987 Ragi said, “Guns are no solution to the Punjab problem. This problem will be solved by dialogue. It is an age of argument and logic.” Ragi Darshan Singh convened a Convention of the Sikhs in Darbar Sahib on August 4, 1987. TO BE CONTINUED…

Article extracted from this publication >> May 26, 1995