ANANDPUR SAHIB, Punjab, India: If the mood ‘of the two conventions, one organized by A.I.S.S.F. (Gurjit faction) and the other by Unified Akali Dal at the Hola Mahalla celebrations at Anandpur Sahib, was of any indication, the Sikh perception of the Anandpur Sahib resolution has gone a complete change. Both of the conventions were attended by thousands of pilgrims. At the A.I.S.S.P. (Gunjit faction) convention, the demand of establishment of Khalistan was approved with the raising of hands and loud shouting of slogans of Khalistan. At the other convention which was virtually managed by A.LS.S.F. (Manjit faction) the demand was for a Khalsa Raj, The speakers at that convention also claimed that the demand of Khalsa Raj was also the same as that of Khalistan. The freedom fighters attended this festival as thousands of the paramilitary jawans stood with automatic weapons around the historic shrine. This is the place where the birth of Khalsa took place about 290 years ago. Surprisingly, the Akali Dal (L) both the Communist Parties and Bharatya Kisan Union which had been organizing their conventions every year, were conspicuous by their absence this year. The festival wore a look of jubilant show, in spite of the show of strength by the paramilitary forces.

The meeting organized by the S.G.P.C. as an official function, hardly attracted two dozen people.

This festive look was visible inspite of the memories of the last year’s killing of nine persons by the Barnala government. The people came to the festival by every mode of conveyance. There were three kitchens, serving free food (Guru Ka Langar) to the devotees.

This year the display of the large number of posters and banners supporting Babbar Khalsa, Khalistan Commando Force and martyrs like Beant Singh and others killed in fake police encounters were the main attractions for the

At the A.I.S.S.F. (Gurjit) convention the speakers not only criticized the Central government but also the policies of the Akali leaders, they accused Parkash Singh Badal and other leaders of playing in the hands of the Center. The convention pledged to follow the policies and programs, launched by Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and Bhai Amrik Singh and showed full confidence in the leadership of Bhai Gurjit Singh. The Convention called upon the Sikh youth to wage a war for the establishment of Khalistan. The convention also called upon the Akalis to step aside as they have failed to do any substantial thing for the achievement of Khalistan. The convention also issued a warning to the police officers, not to be a party to the killing of Sikh youth in fake encounters otherwise they should be prepared to face the consequences.

The convention also gave a warning to the Sikh leaders not to sell the Panth to the Center for their petty political gains. The convention reminded them of the fate of Harchand Singh Longowal.

The convention urged the Sikhs living abroad to support the Khalistan Council and wage a propaganda war to acquaint the world about the atrocities being committed against the Sikhs.

The convention prayed for those, who have been killed by the police in fake encounters. The convention also made it clear that the A.I.S.S.F. has no connection with the dacoities and killing of innocent people. The convention appealed to the people to bring such cases to its notice so as to enable it take action against the defaulters.

Article extracted from this publication >> March 11, 1988