CHANDIGARH: For the first time Sikhs called for complete freedom from the soil of Punjab. Sarbat Khalsa convention held at Sri Amritsar on April 13, 1986 gave a call to Sikh masses to break the shackles of slavery and strive for establishing their own rule. A Gurmata, collective resolution, of the Congregation adopted at Dam-Dami Taksal ‘sponsored convention reiterated the demand for the implementation of what Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale had categorically stated. He had said that as a ‘consequence of any attack on Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) foundation for Khalistan will be laid.

In the printed resolution, which was later amended by a committee, a clear call was given to all Sikhs for armed struggle to break the shackles of slavery. B.B.C. bulletin carried the unamended resolution.

The amended resolution which ran into 8 printed pages was read by Mr. Gurbachan Singh member of the five members Panthic Committee. It dubbed the Barnala Ministry a traitor to Panth and directed the people to intensify their struggle against the ministers and to Boycott them since those occupying the ministerial berths have failed to implement the election promises particularly with regard to the release of all detained Sikhs, rehabilitation of army deserters and punishment to police officials who had staged fake encounters. The people should take the resignation of all Akali M.L.A’s & Gherao them.

The resolution said that Sikhs should force all the S.G.P.C. members to resign since their term had expired and forward to the Panthic Committee. A panel of names from various S.G.P.C. constituencies should be sent to the committee so that a new S.G.P.C. could be formed.

This was the second Sarbat Khalsa Convention sponsored by Dam Dami Taksal. First, was held on Jan 26 this year. Among those on the stage were acting Jathedar Akal Takhat Bhai Gurdev Singh Baba Joginder Singh and the officiating head of the Taksal Baba Thakhur Singh, Panthic Committee was represented by Mr. Gurbachan Singh. A.I.S.S.F, leaders led by Harinder Singh Kahlon maintained a low profile and so did the presidium nominated by detained President Manjit Singh and General Secretary Harmander Singh Sandhu.

The resolution sought the restoration of civil liberties and human rights, unrestricted entry of the Sikhs from all over the world into Punjab and an end to the exploitation of the natural resources of Punjab and its economy. It declared guilty all those who had planned and executed the operation Blue Star. Expressing the concern over the role played by those in power, it appealed to UN. Secretary General to constitute a special court to try all those responsible for conspiring to annihilate the Sikh community and destroy the Sikh cultural, religious and historical symbols, The resolution that the assists of Gurdwara managers should be assessed to see if they had misappropriated any funds, It called for reforming the system of Gurdwara management.

It blamed the central government for all the ills of community & the country.

At least 3 Paragraphs were dele ted from the printed resolution, Although the Panthic Committee and Bhai Gurdev Singh had jointly given the call for the convention, it was left to the Panthic Committee to frame the resolution. Some objections were raised. Senior leaders of A.I.S.S.F the Dam-Dami Taksal and the United Akali Dal met this morning to reframe the text. It had the name of Bhai Danna Singh as the publisher of the Gurmata,

Article extracted from this publication >> April 18, 1986