Dear Editor,

The recent spate of militant activities in Punjab had been defended by certain media, particularly some of the Punjabi Newspapers. They reflect this as the re-resurces of the struggle for the gen but none of the genuine militant outfits have accepted the responsibility for this Sudden upsurge. Rather the statement released by Mr. Khera on behalf of Panthic Committee alleges that ‘in order to justify the Punjab Polka’s campaign of repression and tarnish the image of organizations such as Jaffarwarl’s the Government’s intelligence agencies have been organizing militant activities.

Baba Manochahal’s death anniversary has’ been given prominence in the media, including prestigious World Sikh News. He has been acclaimed as a true Martyr.’ He was killed on February 28, 1993 and his death anniversary was commemorated with MI homage in a few Ghurughars. Contrary to that, Prof. Kulraj Singh’s article on Baba Manochahal published in the most revered monthly. The Sikh Review Calcutta was an eye-opener. Baba was, according to Prof. Kulraj Singh’s findings. A masterfully manipulated instrument of intelligence mechanization.’ ‘His roll for the destruction of the Sikh political clout was obvious and decisive? Not only degradation of Akal Takla. Sikhism suffered as a result of Manochahal’s Sarbat Khalsa? Baba’s wealth, agrarian ownership and truck business ventures were never questioned by ruthless Security Network. He ‘opted for coercion. Fraud and fratricide? And ‘incantations of Manochabal contribute more and more to the fragmentation of Sikh polity.

 Nobody has so far refuted these claims in India or abroad. Previously Sikh imagery was affected when the Soft Target was published. Almost all the Sikh Community in the North America hailed the publication of the Book that condemned the involvement of Talwinder Parmar. No body over refuted die allegations stomped on Talwinder, and he himself vanished from the scene without any contradiction. And his death anniversary was, too, celebrated with great homage in certain Sikh Gurughars. And flaunted by Sikh media. The Sikh leadership in India is already in turmoil. In the West particularly in North America, too. The variance in political attitude is surfacing. The Community is becoming more and more disillusioned. Who should we listen to and who should we trust?

Pritpal S.Bindra

Mississauga, Ontario Canada.

Article extracted from this publication >> April 8, 1994